Zuclopenthixol acetate

Clopixol Acuphase

Clopixol Acuphase is used for treating schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. It helps by altering the patient’s thoughts and uplifting their mood, thus improving their ability to think, feel, and react. It is advised to take the medication at the same time each day to maintain the medicine’s consistency in the body. The dose and duration of the drug should be taken after consulting with a medical professional. Do not self-administer the medication, and if you are thinking of discontinuation, consult with your doctor, as any negligence can result in worsened symptoms. Try not to skip any dose and complete the course of your treatment. 

Product Overview

Clopixol Acuphase is a strong medication mainly composed of zuclopenthixol acetate, a typical antipsychotic from the thioxanthene class. It functions by adjusting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily dopamine, to stabilize mood and reduce symptoms of psychotic disorders. People suffering from conditions like schizophrenia (a mental disorder that affects the ability to think and behave) and psychoses (a condition in which you are unable to differentiate between reality and imagination) can use this medication for acute and long-term treatment.   

Available in a 50 mg/mL strength, Clopixol Acuphase injection is administered by healthcare professionals. Its rapid action is ideal for managing acute symptoms, providing significant relief within 2-3 days of usage. It is important to note that this medication is only suitable for adults and should not be self-administered. The medication works by restricting the action of dopamine, known as a chemical messenger in the brain. This messenger affects the thoughts and mood of the patient, giving them the ability to make right decisions. 

Patients receiving Clopixol Acuphase may experience side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or dry mouth.  In case of a missed dose, the healthcare provider will reschedule the administration. An overdose requires immediate medical intervention. Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and light, and keep it out of reach of children. Precautions should be taken, especially with patients having a history of cardiovascular diseases or liver issues. Always follow the specific guidance provided by healthcare professionals regarding the use and handling of Clopixol Acuphase.

Uses of Clopixol Acuphase

It is used for:

• Initial treatment of short-term psychoses
• Treatment of acute episodes of mental disorders
• Treatment of schizophrenia
• Treatment of anxiety

How to Use Clopixol Acuphase?

Dosage

Strengths and Forms

Clopixol comes in two forms:

• Tablet:10 mg and 25 mg
• Intramuscular Injection: 50 mg/mL and 200 mg/mL

Recommended Dosage for Different Patients

• For Adults: The dose range is between 50-150 or 1-3 ml with a gap of 2-3 days. In some cases, experts advised additional injection within 24 to 48 hours after the initial injection. The maximum dosage should be 400 mg, and the number of injections taken should not be more than 4. If it is a maintenance therapy, continue the treatment with oral zuclopenthixol. Start the treatment in 2-3 days following the last zuclopenthixol acetate injection with about 40 mg daily, possibly in divided doses. Increase it by 10-20 mg every 2-3 days up to 75 mg or more if needed. 
• For Older Patients: Lower dosage is advised. Do not exceed 100 mg per injection. 
• For Children: Usage is not recommended due to insufficient clinical data.
• Patients with Renal Impairment: Standard doses as prescribed by a medical professional.
• Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Half the recommended dosage. Generally, serum level testing is advisable.

[Note: Remember these recommendations may vary depending on person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How to Take It?

• Clopixol Acuphase is an injectable medication administered by medical professionals only. 
• Ensure the doctor is professionally trained to give deep intramuscular injections.
• Ensure the medication is at room temperature.
• Check the expiration date and the integrity of the vial.
• Make sure that the doctors are using an aseptic technique to draw the medication into a syringe.
• The injection is injected directly into the muscles of the buttock or thigh.
• Gently rub the injected area to prevent muscle soreness.
• Make sure you are getting injections in different areas to prevent muscle damage.
• Check for any unusual symptoms immediately after the administration, as the medication can cause significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and mental state.
• Get your following doses at the right time, as directed by the doctor.
• Regularly monitor your mental status, side effects, and overall health.
• Use caution with activities requiring alertness, as this medication can cause drowsiness.
• Always follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare professionals and the guidelines from the medication’s package insert.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Does Clopixol Acuphase Work?

Clopixol Acuphase works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. These transmitters are chemicals that nerve cells use to communicate with each other. One of these neurotransmitters, dopamine, plays a crucial role in how we experience both pleasure and pain. It’s thought that in conditions like schizophrenia, the brain’s dopamine pathways may be overly active, leading to symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and erratic behaviors.

The active ingredient zuclopenthixol in the medication helps to balance these symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. This blockage aids in normalizing the activity of dopamine and reduces the intensity of the symptoms. Additionally, the “Acuphase” formulation of Clopixol is designed for quick action and is usually administered through an injection, allowing the medication to start working faster than pills. This can be beneficial for situations where rapid control of severe symptoms is necessary.

Important Safety Information

Side Effects

Common side effects of Clopixol Acuphase may include:

• Abnormality in voluntary movements
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Increased prolactin level in blood
• Orthostatic hypotension 
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Tremors
• Urinary retention
• Weight gain
• Stiffness
• Muscle spasm
• Blurred vision
• Excessive sweating/salivation
• Changes in monthly cycles for females

Serious side effects of Clopixol Acuphase may include:

• Blood clots
• Chest pain
• Yellowing of the skin 
• High fever
• Sensitivity to light
• Purpura (bleeding underneath the skin)

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.]

Warnings

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Characterized by a nervous system disorder, NMS has been linked with drugs like Clopixol. While rare, the condition can result in life-threatening effects, including high fever, unusual muscle stiffness, sweating, and fast heartbeats. Therefore, it is advised to talk with your doctor first.
• Pregnancy: Clopixol Acuphase 50 mg injection is not recommended to pregnant ladies as it can harm the fetus. Consult with a medical professional before making any decision.
• Breastfeeding: This medication is not advised to be taken by lactating women as the drug can pass in breast milk and may harm the infant. Therefore, expert opinion is mandatory.
• Older Patients: The medication should be used with caution in elderly patients, resulting in the risk of serious side effects. Communication with your doctor to adjust the dose. They can also suggest alternative treatments based on clinical needs.
• Heart Diseases: If you have a history of heart conditions or have had an attack recently, use the injection cautiously.
• Kidney Diseases: Patients with pre-existing kidney problems are recommended to carefully use this injection as there are high chances of severe side effects.   

Precautions

• Talk to your doctor if you have used Clopixol or any other treatment for schizophrenia before and noticed any problems.
• If you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, tell your medical professionals beforehand to avoid any drug interactions.
• Do not use this medication if you regularly drink alcohol. 
• Avoid taking Clopixol drug if you have seizures or any liver problems. 
• Before taking the injection, discuss every risk and benefit with an expert if you have dementia, glaucoma, hypokalemia, or hypomagnesemia.
• If you or someone in your family have a history of cardiovascular disorders or blood clots, take medical assistance before using this medication.
• Tell your medical professional beforehand if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Clopixol Acuphase.
• Clopixol is a sedative drug that can cause impairments in general attention. Therefore, avoid driving or operating in any activity that requires alertness.

Contraindications

• Zuclopenthixol acetate must not be taken by patients who:
• Have hypersensitivity to thioxanthenes or any other ingredient of the drug.
• Are under the influence of alcohol, opiates, or barbiturates to a significant extent.
• Suffer from severe blood disorders or circulatory issues.
• Possess a history of leukopenia or agranulocytosis, conditions involving low white blood cell counts.
• Have been diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, a tumor that can affect blood pressure.

Missed Dose

• Take the missed dose as long as it does not exceed the duration of 6 hours before the next dose.
• Take the next dose if it is less than 6 hours before the next dose.
• Try not to skip or forget any doses.
• Avoid compensating for a missed dose by doubling up on the following one.

[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

Overdose

Since the Clopixol Acuphase injection is administered in the hospital by professionals, the chances of an overdose are very unlikely. However, if it happens in rare cases, your doctor will handle the situation by taking necessary preventive measures.  

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

Storage

• Your healthcare provider or nurse will store the injection for you.
• If you are keeping it at home, keep the medication out of children’s reach.
• Store the injection somewhere safe, between the temperatures of 15ºC and 25ºC.
• Keep it protected from light
• Store the ampoules in the outer carton.
• Do not store it in the bathroom or near the sink.
• Discard the medication once it is past the expiration date printed on the label.
• Do not flush the injection. 
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor how to throw them when not in use. 

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

Clopixol Acuphase Interactions

When using Clopixol Acuphase, be cautious with the following drug interactions:

• Zuclopenthixol acetate may increase the sedative effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants.
• Avoid combining neuroleptics and antihypertensive drugs as the former drug has the ability to increase or reduce the effect of the latter medications. Specifically, drugs like guanethidine may see a reduced efficacy.
• Simultaneous use of neuroleptics and lithium may increase the chances of neurotoxic effects.
• Tricyclic antidepressants and neuroleptics can inhibit each other’s metabolism.
• Zuclopenthixol may decrease the effectiveness of levodopa and adrenergic drugs.
• The combination of metoclopramide and piperazine increases the risks of extrapyramidal disorders.
• Since zuclopenthixol is partly metabolized by CYP2D6, drugs that inhibit these enzymes can lead to decreased clearance of zuclopenthixol.
• Drugs that significantly increase the QT interval (e.g., class Ia and III antiarrhythmics like quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide; certain antipsychotics like thioridazine; macrolides like erythromycin; antihistamines and quinolone antibiotics) should be avoided as they can exacerbate QT interval prolongation associated with antipsychotic treatments.
• Drugs known to cause electrolyte imbalances (e.g., thiazide diuretics causing hypokalemia) or increased plasma concentrations of zuclopenthixol should be used cautiously due to the potential for increasing QT prolongation and risk of malignant arrhythmias.

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Clopixol Acuphase. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

Clopixol Acuphase Alternatives

• Solian
• Abilify Maintena
• Sycrest
• Anquil
• Reagila
• Modecate
• Nozinan
• Latuda
• Invega
• Neulactil
• Orap
• Stemetil
• Risperdal
• Stelazine

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.] 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time does Clopixol-Acuphase take to work?

The sedative properties of the drug start showing its effects 2 hours after injection. For peak impact, it takes around 12 hours after the dose is administered. The therapeutic effects of this medication can last as long as 72 hours. However, it is important to note that zuclopenthixol, the active ingredient in Clopixol-Acuphase, is not suitable for rapid tranquilization due to its gradual onset of action.

Is Clopixol Depot and Clopixol Acuphase the same?

Zuclopenthixol (Tradename: Clopixol) is an antipsychotic medication that has two formulations.  While zuclopenthixol acetate (Clopixol-Acuphase) is used for the management of severe mental disorders that are not responsive to other medications, Zuclopenthixol decanoate (Clopixol Depot) is used for long term treatment of schizophrenia. However, both formulations contain the same active ingredient, but their usage and administration differ, with Clopixol Depot being used for maintenance therapy and Clopixol Acuphase for acute symptom control.

Does Clopixol have sedative properties?

Along with its antipsychotic effect, zuclopenthixol exerts a general calming influence on symptoms like agitation, restlessness, hostility, or aggression. The sedation is dependent on the dose administered to the patient. The higher the dosage, the higher its sedation effects. However, the patients rapidly build tolerance towards its sedative effects. 

What happens when you stop taking Clopixol?

When you stop taking Clopixol, withdrawal symptoms like nausea, insomnia, and agitation may occur, particularly if discontinued abruptly. There is also a risk of rebound and relapse, where original symptoms such as hallucinations or mood disturbances return. Additionally, the body needs time to adjust to the absence of the medication, which can lead to physical discomfort. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.

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