What it means
A second-generation antipsychotic that is often effective when other drugs have failed, and that lowers the risk of suicidal behavior in schizophrenia. It can cause serious side effects, the most feared being a sharp drop in neutrophils, the white blood cells that fight infection. Others include sedation, drooling, severe constipation, weight gain, high blood sugar, seizures, low blood pressure on standing, and inflammation of the heart muscle.
For the nurse
Check the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) on the schedule the prescriber orders. Teach the client to report fever, sore throat or other signs of infection at once, and watch for constipation. Do not confuse it with clonazepam or clonidine.
At a glance
| Drug class | second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Clozaril, Versacloz |
| Spanish | clozapina |
| Also written | Clozaril, Versacloz |
Easy to confuse with
clonazepam
A long-acting benzodiazepine drug used for seizure disorders and panic disorder.
clonidine
A drug that acts in the brain to lower nerve signals that tighten blood vessels, used for high blood pressure and other conditions.
Related terms
bipolar disorder
A mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.
hallucination
Hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling or tasting something that is not really there.