CLOPIXOL TABLETS 2 mg
ZUCLOPENTHIXOL DIHYDROCHLORIDE EQUIVALENT TO ZUCLOPENTHIXOL
What it does
Zuclopenthixol is an antipsychotic medication used to treat certain mental health conditions.
Commonly used for: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe anxiety
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:17:45 · updated 2026-09-20 04:00:56
Drug Interactions
6Pharmacodynamic Warnings
Zuclopenthixol appears in TABLE 8: Drugs that cause hypotension
Zuclopenthixol appears in TABLE 9: Drugs that prolong the QT interval
Zuclopenthixol appears in TABLE 11: Drugs with CNS depressant effects
Severe (1)
Dopamine Receptor Agonists - decreases effects
Zuclopenthixol is predicted to decrease the effects of dopamine receptor agonists. Avoid. Theoretical → Also see TABLE 8 p. 1518 → Also see TABLE 9 p. 1519 Doravirine → see NNRTIs Dorzolamide ROUTE-SP
Unknown (5)
Antipsychotics - additive effect
Antipsychotics,secondgeneration(clozapine)cancause constipation,ascanantipsychotics,secondgeneration (olanzapine,quetiapine);concurrentusemightincreasethe riskofdevelopingintestinalobstruction.rAnecdo
Levodopa - decreases effects
Zuclopenthixol is predicted to decrease the effects of levodopa. Avoid or monitor worsening parkinsonian symptoms. Also see TABLE 8 p. 1518 Levofloxacin → see quinolones Levofolinic acid → see folates
Lithium - increases risk of neurotoxicity
Zuclopenthixol potentially increases the risk of neurotoxicity when given with lithium. Anecdotal → Also see TABLE 9 p. 1519 Live vaccines. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine herpes-zoster vaccine, live
Zuclopenthixol - additive effect
Clozapine can cause constipation, as can zuclopenthixol; concurrent use might increase the risk of developing intestinal obstruction. Theoretical → Also see TABLE 8 p. 1518 → Also see TABLE 11 p. 1519
Zuclopenthixol - additive effect
Antipsychotics,secondgeneration(clozapine)cancause constipation,ascanzuclopenthixol;concurrentusemight increasetheriskofdevelopingintestinalobstruction.r Theoretical →AlsoseeTABLE8p.1518 →AlsoseeTABLE
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About this medicine
Zuclopenthixol is an antipsychotic medication used to treat certain mental health conditions.
What it treats
- schizophrenia
- bipolar disorder
- severe anxiety
How it works
It helps balance chemicals in the brain that affect mood and behavior.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults experiencing severe mental health issues.
Drug class
Antipsychotics
Cautions
- • Be careful if taking medications that lower blood pressure.
- • Avoid drugs that can affect heart rhythm.
- • Use caution with medications that can cause drowsiness.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Zuclopenthixol
BNF-referencedZuclopenthixol is a typical antipsychotic drug belonging to the thioxanthene class, primarily used for the management of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. It functions by antagonizing dopamine receptors in the brain, thereby reducing symptoms associated with psychosis. It exhibits additional activity at adrenergic and serotonergic receptors, contributing to its therapeutic effects.
Indications
- Schizophrenia
- Acute psychosis
- Mania
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information.
Adults: Initially, up to 2.5 mg twice daily, with the possibility of increasing the daily dose by 5 mg after one week, if necessary. The maximum dose can be up to 6 mg per day, with gradual reduction to establish an effective maintenance level.
Mechanism of action
Zuclopenthixol acts mainly as an antagonist at D1 and D2 dopamine receptors, inhibiting dopamine transmission. It also has a high affinity for alpha1-adrenergic and 5-HT2 serotonin receptors. Its weaker blocking activity at H1 histamine receptors and minimal affinity for muscarinic cholinergic and alpha2-adrenergic receptors further delineate its pharmacological profile.
Pharmacodynamics
As a thioxanthene, Zuclopenthixol exhibits therapeutic effects similar to those of phenothiazine antipsychotics, primarily through its action as a D1 and D2 dopamine receptor antagonist. This mechanism helps in alleviating positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions, while also providing some efficacy against negative symptoms.
Pharmacokinetics
Zuclopenthixol is well absorbed after oral administration, with a significant volume of distribution. It undergoes hepatic metabolism, primarily via cytochrome P450 enzymes, leading to various metabolites. The drug has a half-life that allows for once or twice daily dosing, and its excretion is mainly through urine. Caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment, as this may affect drug clearance.
Contra-indications
- Apathetic states
- CNS depression
- Comatose states
- Phaeochromocytoma
- Severe hepatic impairment
Adverse effects
- Anxiety
- Appetite abnormality
- Asthenia
- Decreased alertness
- Decreased blood pressure
- Dystonias
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Hyperpyrexia
- Jaundice
- Muscle weakness
- Panocytopenia
- Photo-sensitivity reaction
- Skin reactions
- Thrombocytopenia
- Urinary disorders
- Vision failure
- Withdrawal syndrome
Interactions
- Dopamine receptor agonists (decreases effects)
- Clozapine (unknown additive effect)
- Levodopa (decreases effects)
- Lithium (increases risk of neurotoxicity)
- Other antipsychotics (unknown additive effect)
Precautions
- Caution in patients with hyperthyroidism
- Caution in patients with hypothyroidism
- Caution in renal impairment
Pregnancy
Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, as safety in pregnancy has not been established.
Breast-feeding
Caution is advised, as there may be a risk of sedation or other adverse effects in the newborn.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Formulations
- Oral drops: Zuclopenthixol (as Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride) 20 mg/ml
- Tablets: Zuclopenthixol (as Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride) 2 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: Zuclopenthixolacetate
BNF-referencedZuclopenthixol acetate is an antipsychotic medication primarily used in the management of psychoses and schizophrenia. It acts as a dopamine antagonist, influencing neurotransmitter activity in the brain to alleviate symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations. Zuclopenthixol acetate is typically administered in a long-acting formulation, which allows for less frequent dosing and improved adherence in patients requiring chronic treatment.
Indications
- Acute psychosis
- Schizophrenia
- Mania
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing guidelines.
Adults: Initially, up to 2.5 mg twice daily, increased by 5 mg at intervals of 1 week if necessary. Maximum dose may reach 6 mg per day, with gradual reduction once satisfactory control is achieved.
Mechanism of action
Zuclopenthixol acetate works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors and, to a lesser extent, serotonin 5-HT2 receptors in the central nervous system. This action reduces dopaminergic hyperactivity, which is associated with the symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The blockade of these receptors also contributes to its sedative effects and reduces agitation.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effects of zuclopenthixol acetate include a reduction in psychotic symptoms, sedation, and potential extrapyramidal side effects due to its dopamine antagonism. The drug's efficacy in controlling acute exacerbations of psychosis is supported by its rapid onset of action, while the risk of side effects increases with higher doses, particularly above 6 mg daily.
Pharmacokinetics
Zuclopenthixol acetate is administered via intramuscular injection, leading to a prolonged release and sustained therapeutic effects. The drug has a half-life that allows for once or twice weekly dosing, which is beneficial for patient compliance. It is metabolized in the liver, and renal impairment may necessitate dose adjustments to prevent accumulation and toxicity. Peak plasma concentrations typically occur within 24 hours post-injection, and the drug is eliminated primarily through hepatic metabolism.
Contra-indications
- CNS depression
- Comatose states
- Phaeochromocytoma
- Apathetic states
Adverse effects
- Anxiety
- Appetite abnormality
- Asthenia
- Decreased alertness
- Blood disorders
- Cardiac arrest
- Hyperpyrexia
- Jaundice
- Muscle weakness
- Thrombocytopenia
- Tinnitus
- Urinary disorders
- Withdrawal syndrome
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Acute dystonias
Interactions
- Phenothiazines
- Caution advised with hepatic impairment
- Monitor serum drug concentration
Precautions
- Caution in hyperthyroidism
- Caution in hypothyroidism
- Caution in renal failure
- Dose reduction advised in hepatic impairment
Pregnancy
Use with caution; potential risks should be weighed against benefits.
Breast-feeding
Not recommended due to potential for adverse effects in the nursing infant.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from light.
Formulations
- Zuclopenthixol acetate 20 mg/ml oral drops
- Zuclopenthixol 2 mg tablets
- Zuclopenthixol 10 mg tablets
- Zuclopenthixol 25 mg tablets
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Zuclopenthixol
PubChem CID 5311507Molecular formula: C22H25ClN2OS
Mechanism of action
Zuclopenthixol is a typical antipsychotic neuroleptic drug of the thioxanthene class. It mainly acts by antagonism of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors. Zuclopenthixol also has high affinity for alpha1-adrenergic and 5-HT2 receptors. It has weaker histamine H1 receptor blocking activity, and even lower affinity for muscarinic cholinergic and alpha2-adrenergic receptors.
Pharmacodynamics
Zuclopenthixol is a thioxanthene with therapeutic actions similar to the phenothiazine antipsychotics. It is an antagonist at D1 and D2 dopamine receptors.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.