Clopixol (zuclopenthixol)
Brand name: Clopixol
®, Clopixol
® Acuphase, Clopixol
® Depot.
Active ingredient name: Zuclopenthixol.
Type of medication: Typical antipsychotic.
Available in Canada from: Lundbeck Canada Inc.
Form: Oral tablets, intramuscular injection.
Generic: No.
Listed on Ontario formulary: Yes: (Clopixol® Depot and Clopixol ® tablets are covered as general benefits; Clopixol ® Acuphase is not covered).
OHIP+ coverage: Clopixol and Clopixol Depot covered.
What is Clopixol used for?
Clopixol is used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses in adults. Clopixol can be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor why you are being prescribed Clopixol.
How Should I take Clopixol?
- Oral Clopixol can be taken with or without food. It can be taken once per day or multiple times per day depending on individual preference. The injectable forms of Clopixol must be given by a healthcare provider. The injections may be given in a hospital, a clinic, a doctor’s office or even an individual’s home in some cases.
- Clopixol is available in 10 mg and 25 mg tablets. The usual dosage range for oral Clopixol tablets is 20 mg - 150 mg per day. The average dose is around 30 mg - 75 mg per day. Discuss your individual dose with your doctor.
- There are also two forms of Clopixol for intramuscular injection: Clopixol Acuphase is a 50 mg/mL solution and Clopixol Depot is a 200 mg/mL solution.
- Clopixol Acuphase is a short-acting injection. It lasts up to 72 hours. It is used most often in hospital settings. It is given in a dose range of 50 mg - 150 mg every 48 - 72 hours. Most individuals will only receive one dose. Clopixol Acuphase is not used long-term to control the symptoms of schizophrenia or other psychotic illnesses.
- Clopixol Depot is a long-acting injection that is given every 2 - 4 weeks to control the symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses. The dose range for Clopixol depot injection is 100 mg - 600 mg every 2 - 4 weeks. The most common dosage range is 200 mg - 400 mg every 4 weeks. Discuss your individual dose with your doctor.
What are the most common side effects seen with Clopixol?
The most common side effects of Clopixol include:
- Abnormal movements (extrapyramidal side effects)
- Changes in monthly menstrual cycle (amenorrhea)
- Decreased sexual interest and/or function
- Swelling of breasts and milk production in both men and women
- Dry mouth
- Blurred or altered vision (difficulty reading small print)
- Constipation
What are rare but potentially serious adverse effects with Clopixol?
- Decrease in white blood cell count (agranulocytosis)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
- Sudden cardiac death (heart attack)
- Torsades de pointes (serious heart arrhythmia)
Warnings/Precautions
Elderly individuals with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic medication are at an increased risk of death compared to individuals not receiving antipsychotics. Most deaths appear to be either cardiovascular or infectious. Clopixol is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. Some patients with dementia may, however, be treated with this medication. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor for this indication.
What medications interact with Clopixol?
Tell all your doctors, pharmacists and dentist that you are taking Clopixol. You should also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any othermedications including those obtained without a prescription, and herbal and vitamin products.
The following types of medications may interact with Clopixol:
- Certain medications for allergies (e.g., lorazepam, zopiclone)
- Certain medications for pain (e.g., fentanyl)
- Anti-Parkinson agents
Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while taking Clopixol.