Clozapine: a novel antipsychotic agent

Article Abstract:

Almost 40 years ago the first effective drug therapy for schizophrenia became available, but over the years drugs have failed to help about 20 percent of patients, and the side effects have often been severe, causing intolerable neurological problems. Clozapine (Clozaril), which does not cause many of the side effects associated with other antipsychotic drugs, has been available for over 30 years, but because it can cause agranulocytosis, a blood abnormality characterized by fever, prostration, and bleeding, enthusiasm for the drug was limited in the United States. Recent data have demonstrated that clozapine is effective, and if the granulocyte (a type of white blood cell) count is monitored, side effects can be avoided. Clozapine was introduced in the United States in 1990, under a rigid system of monitoring and dispensing. The history, chemistry, physiological effects, metabolism, absorption and rate and duration of action, efficacy, side effects, and appropriate use are summarized. Clozapine is available only on condition of weekly blood sampling to monitor the white cell count, weekly distribution of supplies of the drug, and record keeping. No other drug is subjected to such a system, which raises the price of the drug to about $9,000 annually. This has generated considerable controversy because few patients can afford it, if they are not eligible for publicly supported care. In addition, many Medicaid and mental health agencies have rejected clozapine claims or are still deciding the matter. Drug research on the antipsychotics has been based for too long on a single narrow hypothesis that has yielded no advances for a long time. Perhaps renewed interest in clozapine will spur research based on new hypotheses. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Product/Service Evaluation, Product information, Clozaril (Medication), Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corp.

---

A comparison of clozapine and haloperidol in hospitalized patients with refractory schizophrenia

Article Abstract:

Clozapine may be effective in some schizophrenic patients even though it is expensive and has a potentially severe side effect. This was the conclusion of a study in which 205 patients took clozapine and 218 patients took haloperidol. Fifty-seven percent of the patients taking clozapine were able to continue the drug for an entire year, compared to 28% of those taking haloperidol. Clozapine reduced symptoms more effectively than haloperidol. Even though clozapine was about 10 times more expensive, both groups incurred similar costs because those on clozapine were not hospitalized as often.

Haloperidol

---

Effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs in patients with chronic schizophrenia

Article Abstract:

A double-blind study was undertaken to compare the effects of a first-generation antipsychotic, perphenazine with four other new drugs on patients suffering from acute schizophrenia. Observations reveal that in the final outcome all five drugs were discontinued by most of the patients due to their ineffectiveness, unbearable side effects, and similar other reasons.

United States, Science & research, Dosage and administration

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Efficacy and cost effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy in women with node-negative breast cancer. Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of autologous bone marrow transplantation in metastatic breast cancer: estimates using decision analysis while awaiting clinical trial results
• Abstracts: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. Neutrophil function in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome: relation to infection propensity
• Abstracts: Mortality and duration of hemodialysis treatment. Effect of dialyzer reuse on survival of patients treated with hemodialysis
• Abstracts: Factor XI deficiency acquired by liver transplantation. Hepatitis C in patients undergoing liver transplantation
• Abstracts: Racial differences in the relation between blood pressure and insulin resistance. Where all the glucose doesn't go in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.