- Class
- Antipsychotics
- Body system
- Mental health
- Brand names
- Clozaril, Versacloz
What is Clozapine used for?
- Treatment-resistant schizophrenia
- Reducing suicidal behavior in schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
How Clozapine works
Second-generation antipsychotic with a broad receptor profile; it causes very few extrapyramidal symptoms.
Common side effects
- Sedation
- Hypersalivation (drooling)
- Constipation, which can become severe
- Weight gain and metabolic changes
- Tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension
Report right away
- Fever, sore throat, flu-like symptoms or any infection (neutropenia)
- Chest pain, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath or fever in the first weeks (myocarditis)
- Seizures
- No bowel movement, abdominal pain or vomiting
Nursing considerations for Clozapine
- Monitor the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) at baseline and on the schedule in the label.
- Severe constipation and ileus can be fatal: assess bowel function and give laxatives as ordered.
- Start low and increase slowly; if doses are missed for 2 days or more, the dose is restarted low.
Patient teaching
- Get every blood test on schedule.
- Report fever or sore throat at once.
- Rise slowly. Avoid alcohol. Tell your provider if you start or stop smoking: smoking changes clozapine levels.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Antipsychotics practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Clozapine belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
-
A patient on haloperidol has a temperature of 104°F (40°C), rigid muscles and confusion. What does the nurse suspect?
Show answer
Answer D: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome Hyperthermia, lead-pipe rigidity, altered mental status and autonomic instability are the hallmarks of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
-
Which monitoring is most important for a patient starting olanzapine?
Show answer
Answer B: Weight, blood glucose and lipids Second-generation antipsychotics, especially olanzapine and clozapine, cause weight gain and metabolic syndrome.
-
A patient on clozapine reports a sore throat and fever. What is the priority?
Show answer
Answer B: Notify the provider and check the absolute neutrophil count Clozapine can cause severe neutropenia; signs of infection require an urgent ANC.
Frequently asked questions
What is Clozapine used for?
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia; Reducing suicidal behavior in schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
What drug class is Clozapine?
Clozapine belongs to the class antipsychotics. Second-generation antipsychotic with a broad receptor profile; it causes very few extrapyramidal symptoms.
What are the nursing considerations for Clozapine?
Monitor the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) at baseline and on the schedule in the label. Severe constipation and ileus can be fatal: assess bowel function and give laxatives as ordered.
What should patients report while taking Clozapine?
fever, sore throat, flu-like symptoms or any infection (neutropenia); chest pain, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath or fever in the first weeks (myocarditis); seizures; no bowel movement, abdominal pain or vomiting.