olanzapine pamoate monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Second-generation antipsychotic.
Licensed role
Maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults stabilised with oral olanzapine.
Administration
Given by a trained healthcare professional as a deep injection into a buttock muscle.
After each injection
Observation in a healthcare facility is required for at least 3 hours.
Driving
Do not drive or operate machinery for the remainder of the injection day.
What is olanzapine pamoate monohydrate used for?
This product is licensed for:
Maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults stabilised during acute treatment with oral olanzapine.
How does olanzapine pamoate monohydrate work?
Olanzapine blocks several brain signalling receptors, particularly dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors. The pamoate salt dissolves slowly in muscle, releasing olanzapine over time.
olanzapine pamoate monohydrate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 210 mg, 300 mg, 405 mg
How to take olanzapine pamoate monohydrate
This preparation is not swallowed or self-injected. A trained healthcare professional reconstitutes it and injects it deeply into a buttock muscle.
Remain in the healthcare facility for the full observation period.
Before leaving, staff should confirm that you are alert, oriented and free from symptoms of excessive olanzapine exposure.
Arrange access to help after leaving and do not drive or operate machinery for the rest of that day.
olanzapine pamoate monohydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sleepiness or sedation
- Injection-site pain
- Weight gain and increased appetite
- Raised blood glucose, cholesterol or triglycerides
- Dizziness, including on standing
- Restlessness, tremor or other movement effects
- Constipation or dry mouth
- Tiredness or swelling
Get urgent medical advice
- Post-injection syndrome, including excessive sleepiness, confusion, impaired speech or walking, shaking, stiffness, weakness, seizure or unconsciousness
- Fever, severe muscle stiffness, sweating and altered awareness
- Leg swelling, redness or pain, or sudden chest pain and breathlessness
- Swelling of the face or throat, severe rash or breathing difficulty
- Intense thirst, frequent urination, weakness or reduced consciousness
- Persistent involuntary movements, particularly of the face or tongue
olanzapine pamoate monohydrate in pregnancy
Olanzapine may be used during pregnancy when a specialist considers benefits greater than potential risks; do not stop treatment suddenly. Weight, blood glucose and fetal growth may need closer review. Exposure near delivery can cause temporary movement, feeding, breathing or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.
olanzapine pamoate monohydrate while breastfeeding
The product-specific information advises against breastfeeding during treatment because olanzapine enters breast milk. Independent guidance on oral olanzapine cannot automatically be applied to this prolonged-release injection; discuss options with a specialist perinatal team.
olanzapine pamoate monohydrate interactions
Tell the prescribing team about medicines, supplements, alcohol use and changes in smoking.
Carbamazepine
Can reduce olanzapine concentration.
Fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin
Can increase olanzapine exposure and adverse effects.
Sedatives and other central nervous system depressants
Can add to sleepiness, low blood pressure or breathing suppression.
Common questions about olanzapine pamoate monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It is licensed to maintain treatment in adults with schizophrenia who have already been stabilised with oral olanzapine.
Why is observation needed after an injection?
Rarely, olanzapine can enter the bloodstream too quickly and cause severe sedation or delirium. Observation allows prompt recognition and treatment.
Can I drive after an injection?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.