Clozapine
Pronunciation: KLOH-zuh-peen
An atypical antipsychotic medication reserved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, requiring mandatory haematological monitoring due to the risk of agranulocytosis.
Full Definition
Clozapine is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic indicated for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and for reducing suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Its use is regulated by the Clozapine REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program in the United States, requiring mandatory absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring before dispensing. Editors working on clinical protocols, medication management notes, and pharmacy correspondence must ensure the REMS requirements and monitoring intervals are accurately reproduced. 'Clozapine' is the approved generic name; 'Clozaril' is a brand name and should be rendered in initial capital only. Do not confuse with clonazepam (a benzodiazepine) or clonidine.
Usage
Usage note: Generic name is lowercase ('clozapine'); brand name ('Clozaril') takes an initial capital. Do not confuse with clonazepam (a benzodiazepine) — a dangerous editorial error in clinical documents.
In Context
- "The patient's ANC was within acceptable range, and clozapine titration continued per the REMS protocol." — Medication Management Note
- "Editors must distinguish between 'clozapine' (generic) and 'Clozaril' (brand name) and apply capitalisation accordingly." — Pharmacology Documentation Guide