zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
First-generation antipsychotic, also called a neuroleptic.
Licensed use
Psychoses, especially schizophrenia.
Form
Film-coated tablets swallowed with water.
Food
May be taken with or without food.
Alertness
Sleepiness, dizziness or blurred vision may impair driving and use of machinery.
What is zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride used for?
The selected tablets are licensed for:
Treatment of psychoses, particularly schizophrenia.
How does zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride work?
Zuclopenthixol mainly blocks dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the brain, reducing excessive dopamine signalling associated with psychotic symptoms. It also affects serotonin, alpha-adrenergic and, to a lesser extent, histamine receptors.
zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 25 mg
How to take zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride
Follow the prescriber's instructions and do not change or stop treatment without discussing it with the clinical team.
Swallow tablets with water; do not chew them.
They may be taken with or without food.
Avoid alcohol because it can increase sedation.
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the tablets affect you; do not drive with blurred vision.
Abrupt withdrawal can cause symptoms and recurrence of psychosis, so discontinuation is normally planned gradually.
zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sleepiness, restlessness or movement-related symptoms
- Dry mouth or increased saliva
- Dizziness, headache or difficulty concentrating
- Tremor, muscle stiffness or abnormal movements
- Increased appetite or weight gain
- Constipation, indigestion, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Blurred or otherwise altered vision
- Fast heartbeat or palpitations
- Sweating, tiredness or weakness
- Difficulty passing urine
Get urgent medical advice
- High temperature, severe muscle rigidity, altered consciousness or autonomic instability
- Severe allergic reaction
- Fainting, significant rhythm disturbance or other symptoms of QT prolongation
- Seizure
- Persistent infection suggesting a blood-cell disorder
- Painful leg swelling, chest pain or sudden breathlessness suggesting a blood clot
- Severe swallowing difficulty, choking or aspiration
- Persistent involuntary movements, particularly of the mouth or tongue
- Jaundice or other signs of serious liver injury
- A prolonged, painful erection
zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride in pregnancy
Zuclopenthixol should be used during pregnancy only when the expected benefit is judged to outweigh potential fetal risk. Exposure near delivery can cause temporary movement, withdrawal, breathing or feeding problems in the newborn. Do not stop established treatment suddenly; discuss pregnancy or pregnancy planning promptly with the prescriber or perinatal mental-health team.
zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride while breastfeeding
Small amounts pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding may sometimes continue when clinically important following an individual specialist assessment; the baby should be observed, particularly during the first weeks, for unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, movement problems or inadequate weight gain. Advice applies most readily to full-term, healthy infants.
zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride interactions
Check all prescribed, over-the-counter and recreational substances with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important examples include:
Alcohol, opioids, sedatives and other central nervous system depressants
Sedation and impaired alertness may be increased.
Medicines that prolong the QT interval
Antiarrhythmics, some antibiotics, antihistamines and other antipsychotics can increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythms.
Diuretics causing low potassium or magnesium
Electrolyte disturbance can further increase the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmia.
Common questions about zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride the same as Clopixol?
Clopixol is a brand name; the selected Clopixol tablets contain zuclopenthixol as the dihydrochloride salt.
Can it make you sleepy?
Yes. Sleepiness is very common and may be strongest early in treatment; alcohol and other sedatives can make it worse.
Can the tablets be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.