Used For Schizophrenia How It Works Zuclopenthixol is an antipsychotic medicine (also known as a neuroleptic). It works by affecting certain chemical messengers in the brain, helping to restore their balance and reduce symptoms associated with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Usage & Safety Dosage Adults: Zuclopenthixol Acetate: 50–150 mg by deep intramuscular (IM) injection into the gluteal muscle or lateral thigh. If required, the dose may be repeated after 2–3 days. In some cases, one additional injection may be given 1–2 days after the first dose. The maximum cumulative dose is 400 mg per treatment course, with a maximum of 4 injections. Treatment should not continue for more than 2 weeks. If ongoing treatment is required, patients should be switched to oral therapy or a long-acting depot injection after the final acetate dose. Zuclopenthixol Decanoate: Administered by deep IM injection into the gluteal muscle. A test dose of 100 mg is recommended, followed after at least 7 days by 200–500 mg or more every 1–4 weeks, depending on the patient's response. Maximum recommended dose: 600 mg per week. Elderly: Lower starting doses are recommended (approximately one-quarter to one-half of the usual adult dose). Children: Not recommended. Or use as directed by your physician. Side Effects

• Low platelet count and other blood cell disorders
• Drowsiness or excessive sleepiness
• Poor coordination or abnormal muscle movements (including involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue, or eyes)
• Tremors
• Muscle stiffness or weakness, including stiff jaw or neck
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Headache or migraine
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or confusion
• Changes in walking pattern or abnormal reflexes
• General body rigidity
• Fainting
• Speech difficulties
• Seizures (fits)
• Enlarged pupils, blurred vision, or other vision changes
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing sensitivity
• Nasal congestion
• Shortness of breath
• Dry mouth or increased saliva production
• Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, or stomach pain

Drug Interactions Zuclopenthixol may interact with:

• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Barbiturates
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
• Anticholinergic medicines (including some allergy, cold, and motion sickness medications)
• Metoclopramide
• Piperazine
• Levodopa and other Parkinson's disease medicines
• Sibutramine
• Digoxin
• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone)
• Blood pressure-lowering medicines such as hydralazine, alpha-blockers (e.g., doxazosin), beta-blockers, methyldopa, clonidine, and guanethidine

Indications Used for the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. When Not to Use Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to zuclopenthixol, other thioxanthene medicines, antipsychotic drugs, or any of its ingredients. It should also be avoided in patients who have severe circulatory problems or are unusually drowsy, unconscious, or have significantly reduced alertness. Precautions Use with caution in patients with Parkinson's disease, as dopamine-blocking medicines such as zuclopenthixol may worsen Parkinsonian symptoms. Warnings

• Zuclopenthixol may prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of serious heart rhythm disorders. Use with caution in patients with heart disease, low potassium (hypokalemia), low magnesium (hypomagnesemia), or a family history of QT prolongation.
• Cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, have been reported with antipsychotic medicines. Patients should be assessed for VTE risk factors before and during treatment.
• Use cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or epilepsy, as zuclopenthixol may lower the seizure threshold and increase the risk of convulsions.

Pregnancy Always consult your physician before using this medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Storage Store at room temperature, away from direct heat, sunlight, and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.