For use in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Clozapine's antipsychotic action is likely mediated through a combination of antogistic effects at D2 receptors in the mesolimbic pathway and 5-HT2A receptors in the frontal cortex. D2 antagonism relieves positive symptoms while 5-HT2A antagonism alleviates negative symptoms.
Clozapine carries a black-box warning for agranulocytosis.
Rapid and almost complete
8 hours (range 4-12 hours)
Approximately 50% of the administered dose is excreted in the urine and 30% in the feces.