Drug reference
clozapine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Central Nervous System (Anti Psychotic (atypical))
Mechanism of action
Demonstrates weak D2-receptor and D1-receptor blocking activity, but noradrenolytic, anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and arousal reaction inhibiting effects are significant; also possesses antiserotoninergic (5-HT1C, 5-HT2, 5-HT3) properties
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Somnolence
- Hypersalivation
- Weight gain
- Tachycardia
Known interactions (23)
- clozapine + irinotecan Contraindicated
- clozapine + pimozide Contraindicated
- clozapine + thioridazine Contraindicated
- amisulpride + clozapine Major
- benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam) + clozapine Major
- carbamazepine + clozapine Major
- ciprofloxacin + clozapine Major
- clozapine + dronedarone Major
- clozapine + fluconazole Major
- clozapine + fluvoxamine Major
- clozapine + posaconazole Major
- clozapine + quinidine Major
- clozapine + ritonavir Major
- clozapine + smoking (nicotine replacement) Major
- clozapine + smoking cessation (bupropion/varenicline) Major
- clozapine + smoking cessation (fluvoxamine) Major
- clozapine + valproate Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + clozapine Moderate
- cabergoline + clozapine Moderate
- clozapine + dopamine Moderate
- clozapine + methyldopa Moderate
- clozapine + pramipexole Moderate
- clozapine + ropinirole Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is clozapine?
clozapine belongs to: Central Nervous System.
How does clozapine work?
Demonstrates weak D2-receptor and D1-receptor blocking activity, but noradrenolytic, anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and arousal reaction inhibiting effects are significant; also possesses antiserotoninergic (5-HT1C, 5-HT2, 5-HT3) properties
What are the common side effects of clozapine?
Constipation, Sedation, Dizziness, Somnolence, Hypersalivation, Weight gain, Tachycardia
Which drugs interact with clozapine?
irinotecan, pimozide, thioridazine, amisulpride, benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam), carbamazepine, ciprofloxacin, dronedarone, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, posaconazole, quinidine, ritonavir, smoking (nicotine replacement), smoking cessation (bupropion/varenicline)
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