zuclopenthixol acetate at a glance
Medicine class
First-generation thioxanthene antipsychotic
Usual role
Initial treatment of acute psychosis, including mania or worsening chronic psychosis
Administration
An oily deep intramuscular injection given by a healthcare professional
Driving and alcohol
It may impair alertness or vision; alcohol can increase sedation
What is zuclopenthixol acetate used for?
UK-licensed uses are:
Initial treatment of acute psychoses, including mania
Initial treatment of an exacerbation of chronic psychosis, particularly when an intermediate-duration injectable effect is wanted
How does zuclopenthixol acetate work?
Zuclopenthixol blocks dopamine receptors, particularly D1 and D2 receptors. Reducing excessive dopamine signalling can lessen psychotic symptoms; dopamine blockade also explains movement-related and prolactin-related adverse effects. The acetate ester is released gradually from its oil-based intramuscular injection.
How to take zuclopenthixol acetate
This formulation is administered by a trained healthcare professional as a deep injection into the upper outer buttock or lateral thigh. It is not swallowed or normally self-administered. Avoid alcohol because it can increase drowsiness, and do not drive or operate machinery if alertness or vision is affected.
Tell the treating team about allergies, other medicines and relevant heart, liver, kidney, neurological or metabolic conditions before administration.
Do not substitute tablets or a different Clopixol injection formulation without clinical instruction.
zuclopenthixol acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness, stiffness, tremor, muscle spasms or other movement effects
- Dizziness, headache or impaired concentration
- Constipation, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Palpitations or a fast heartbeat
- Blurred or otherwise abnormal vision
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction with breathing or swallowing difficulty
- High fever, marked rigidity, sweating or altered consciousness suggesting neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- New uncontrolled mouth, tongue, facial or eye movements
- Severe swallowing difficulty or choking
- Painful leg swelling, chest pain or sudden breathlessness suggesting a blood clot
- Fainting or symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm
- Jaundice
- Persistent infection, unusual bruising or bleeding suggesting a blood-cell disorder
zuclopenthixol acetate in pregnancy
Zuclopenthixol acetate should be used during pregnancy only when the expected benefit outweighs the potential fetal risk, following specialist assessment. Exposure late in pregnancy can cause newborn movement, muscle-tone, breathing, feeding or withdrawal problems, so the maternity and neonatal teams should know about treatment and monitor the baby after birth.
zuclopenthixol acetate while breastfeeding
The SmPC reports low concentrations in breast milk and states that breastfeeding may continue when clinically important, with observation of the infant. UK specialist guidance advises individual assessment and infant monitoring for drowsiness, feeding difficulty, unusual movements and poor weight gain; seek specialist medicines advice because zuclopenthixol is not one of its detailed preferred choices.
zuclopenthixol acetate interactions
Important interactions include:
Alcohol, barbiturates and other central nervous system depressants
May produce greater sedation and impaired alertness.
Medicines that prolong the QT interval
Antiarrhythmics, certain antibiotics, antihistamines and other antipsychotics may add to the risk of dangerous heart rhythms and should generally be avoided.
Thiazide diuretics and other medicines causing low potassium or magnesium
Electrolyte disturbance can increase the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmia.
Common questions about zuclopenthixol acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is zuclopenthixol acetate used for?
It is licensed for the initial treatment of acute psychosis, including mania and worsening chronic psychosis.
How quickly does zuclopenthixol acetate start working?
Sedative effects may begin shortly after the injection. Improvement in psychotic symptoms and adverse effects must be assessed clinically.
Is zuclopenthixol acetate the same as a Clopixol depot injection?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.