Zuclopenthixol Pharmacology

Zuclopenthixol

About Zuclopenthixol
Thioxanthene derivative, A typical antipsychotic neuroleptic drug.
Mechanism of Action of Zuclopenthixol
Zuclopenthixol exerts its antipsychotic action by blocking post synaptic Dopamine receptor in the limbic system. It is a potent antagonist of D1 and D2 receptors. Zuclopenthixol also has high affinity for alpha1-adrenergic and 5-HT2 receptors. It has weaker histamine H1 receptor blocking activity, and even lower affinity for muscarinic cholinergic and alpha2 adrenergic receptors and depresses many hypophyseal and hypothalamic hormones
Dopamine is involved in transmitting signals between brain cells. When there is an excess amount of dopamine in the brain it causes over-stimulation of dopamine receptors. These receptors normally act to modify behaviour and over-stimulation in psychotic illness. Zuclopenthixol blocks these receptors and stops them becoming over-stimulated, thereby helping to control psychotic illness.
Pharmacokinets of Zuclopenthixol
Absorption: It is well absorbed after oral administration.
Distribution: It is distributed in protein bound form
Metabolism: Zuclopenthixol undergoes metabolism in the liver by sulfoxidation, N-dealkylation and by glucuronic acid conjugation.
Excretion: Zuclopenthixol is excreted mainly in feces and small amount about 10% excreted in the urine.
Onset of Action for Zuclopenthixol
2 - 4 hours
Duration of Action for Zuclopenthixol
2- 3 days
Half Life of Zuclopenthixol
12 - 28 hours
Side Effects of Zuclopenthixol
1. Drowsiness
2. Mood changes
3. Insomnia
4. Dizziness
5. Headache
6. Confusion
7. Constipation
8. Diarrhoea
9. Dry mouth
10. Blurred vision
11. Irregular blood pressure
12. Hyperthermia
13. Tachycardia
14. Tardive dyskinesia
15. Skin rashes
16. Jaundice
17. Weight gain or weight loss
18. Changes in menstruation
19. Muscle rigidity
20. Altered consciousness
21. Cardiac arrhythmias
22. Diaphoresis
23. Elevated creatinine phosphokinase
24. Myoglobinuria
25. Abnormal face and body movements
26. Restlessness
27. Uncontrollable movements of the tongue face and jaw
28. Gynaecomastia
29. Galactorrhoea
30. Impotence
Contra-indications of Zuclopenthixol
1. Hypersensitivity to Zuclopenthixol and other Thioxanthenes
2. Acute alcohol, Barbiturate or opiate intoxication
3. Comatose states
4. Brain damage
5. Circulatory collapse
6. Blood dyscrasias
7. Pheochromocytoma
Special Precautions while taking Zuclopenthixol
1. Severe kidney disease
2. Severe liver disease
3. Heart diseases
4. Epilepsy
5. Parkinson`s disease
6. Do not drink alcohol
7. Breathing problems
8. Not to be used for more than 14 days
9. Narrow angle glaucoma
10. Breast cancer
11. Pituitary tumors
12. Driving vehicle and operating machines and other works which require mental alertness
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Contraindicated
NEONATES : Contraindicated
Indications for Zuclopenthixol
1. Schizophrenia
2. Mania
3. Psychotic illness
Interactions for Zuclopenthixol
Alcohol, Barbiturates, CNS depressants: Zuclopenthixol enhances the sedative effect of these drugs.
Guanethidine: It reduces antihypertensive effect of Guanethidine
Tricyclic antidepressants, Neuroleptics: Mutually inhibit the metabolism of each other.
Levodopa, Adrenergic drug: Zuclopenthixol reduce the effect of these drug
Metoclopramide, Piperazine: Concomitant use increase the risk of extra pyramidal symptoms
Typical Dosage for Zuclopenthixol
Oral :
Adult :
Initial dose: 20 - 30 mg / day and dose can be increased to 150 mg / day if needed.
Maintenance dose: 20 - 50 mg / day
Intramuscular : 50 to 150 mg as IM injection and repeat the dose if needed after 2 - 3 days. Some patients need an additional injection 1 or 2 days after the first injection.
Zuclopenthixol acetate is not intended for long-term use, and the duration of treatment should not exceed 2 weeks. The maximum cumulative dosage should not exceed 400 mg, and the number of injections should not exceed 4.
The usual maintenance dose is 150 to 300 mg every 2 to 4 weeks.
Schedule of Zuclopenthixol
N/A
Storage Requirements for Zuclopenthixol
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. Keep the medicines out of the reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Zuclopenthixol
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Zuclopenthixol
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment.

Home Delivery for Zuclopenthixol in Your City

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However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for zuclopenthixol and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for zuclopenthixol may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take zuclopenthixol only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for zuclopenthixol before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for zuclopenthixol with the pharmacy.

Zuclopenthixol is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for zuclopenthixol might be better known than zuclopenthixol itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have zuclopenthixol in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for zuclopenthixol.