CONTRAINDICATIONS / PRECAUTIONS
General Information
Clozapine is contraindicated for use in patients with a previous hypersensitivity to clozapine (e.g., photosensitivity, vasculitis, erythema multiforme, or Stevens-Johnson Syndrome) or any other component of the product. Eosinophilia, defined as a blood eosinophil count of greater than 700/microL, has also occurred with clozapine treatment. Clozapine-related eosinophilia usually occurs during the first month of treatment. In some patients, it has been associated with organ involvements such as cardiac. pancreatic, hepatic, renal, and colon inflammation. Such organ involvement could be consistent with a drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome (DRESS), also known as drug induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS). If eosinophilia develops during clozapine treatment, evaluate promptly for signs and symptoms of systemic reactions, such as rash or other allergic symptoms, and organ-specific disease associated with eosinophilia. If clozapine-related systemic disease is suspected, discontinue clozapine immediately. If a cause of eosinophilia unrelated to clozapine is identified (e.g., asthma, allergies, collagen vascular disease, being infected with a parasite, and specific neoplasms), treat the underlying cause and continue clozapine. Clozapine-related eosinophilia has also occurred in the absence of organ involvement and can resolve without intervention. There are reports of successful rechallenge after discontinuation of clozapine, without recurrence of eosinophilia. In the absence of organ involvement, continue clozapine under careful monitoring. If the total eosinophil count continues to increase over several weeks in the absence of systemic disease, the decision to interrupt clozapine therapy and rechallenge after the eosinophil count decreases should be based on the overall clinical assessment, in consultation with an internist or hematologist.
Agranulocytosis, bone marrow suppression, chemotherapy, fever, infection, leukopenia, neutropenia
Clozapine is available only through a restricted program called the Clozapine Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program. All prescribers of clozapine, prescriber designees, and dispensing pharmacies must be certified in the Clozapine REMS program. Because clozapine can cause severe neutropenia (agranulocytosis), which can lead to infection and death, there is a minimum baseline neutrophil count required to initiate therapy and all patients receiving clozapine must be enrolled by the prescriber or the prescriber's designee in the clozapine REMS program. More information, including enrollment and certification requirements for providers and pharmacies, is available at: https://www.clozapinerems.com. To improve and standardize understanding, severe neutropenia replaces the previous terms severe leukopenia, severe granulocytopenia, or agranulocytosis in the clozapine product labels. The ANC is the only test result accepted in the Clozapine REMS Program to monitor for neutropenia. The mechanism by which clozapine causes neutropenia is not known, and it is not dose-dependent. Clozapine dose cannot be used as a reliable indicator for severe neutropenia risk. The risk of neutropenia generally appears greatest during the first 18 weeks and then declines, but may occur at any time. Conditions that may mcL or more before treatment can be initiated. Weekly ANC monitoring is required for all patients during the first 6 months of treatment, with modifications made to the ANC monitoring requirements after that for each individual based on clinical status, BEN status, and previous laboratory results, as outlined in the Clozapine REMS program. Treatment exclusions occur when the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) falls below the required minimum ANC as outlined in the monitoring requirements. In general, patients who develop severe neutropenia (ANC less than 500/mcL) with clozapine should not be re-challenged, unless the prescriber determines that the benefit outweighs the risks. The prescriber must take into account the recommended ANC thresholds, the patient's medical/psychiatric history, the severity of the neutropenic episode, and should discuss the benefits and risks of clozapine re-challenge with the patient or his/her caregiver. Patients should report the appearance of fever, sore throat, lethargy, weakness, or other signs of bone marrow suppression or infection to their health care provider immediately. Risk factors for developing severe neutropenia from clozapine therapy, other than initial bone marrow suppression, are not known. Patients with a Jewish background, those undergoing the first 4 to 10 weeks of drug therapy, female sex, older patients, cachectic patients, or those with serious underlying medical illness may theoretically be at greater risk for severe neutropenia, but definitive data are not available. It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., chemotherapy) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased ANC monitoring and consult the treating hematologist/oncologist. [28262] [31301] [53094]
CNS depression, coadministration with other CNS depressants, driving or operating machinery, ethanol ingestion
Clozapine can cause somnolence, CNS depression, and impairment of cognitive and motor performance; these reactions may be particularly evident during treatment initiation and following dosage increases. Clozapine-induced somnolence may be dose-related; a dose reduction may be required in some cases. Somnolence could lead to falls with the potential for fractures and other injuries. A fall risk assessment should be completed when initiating an antipsychotic in patients with conditions or diseases that could exacerbate somnolence, including coadministration with other CNS depressants or ethanol ingestion. A fall risk assessment should be completed recurrently in at-risk patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy. Patients should be cautioned about driving or operating machinery or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness until they know how clozapine affects them.[28262] [31301] [53094]
Seizure disorder, seizures
Clozapine should be used cautiously in patients with a history of seizure disorder or those with risk factors that may predispose them to seizures (e.g., head trauma or other CNS pathology, use of medications that lower the seizure threshold, or alcohol abuse). Clozapine lowers the seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner, particularly at doses greater than 600 mg/day. Dosage increases in patients with a pre-existing seizure disorder should be cautious. Clozapine may induce EEG changes, myoclonic jerks or generalized seizures. Because of the substantial risk of seizure associated with clozapine use, patients should be cautioned about engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious risk to themselves or others (e.g., driving, operating complex machinery, swimming, climbing). Clozapine may potentially decrease the effectiveness of anticonvulsants in the treatment of seizure disorders. Additionally, anticonvulsants that are inducers of CYP3A4 or CYP1A2 may reduce the efficacy of clozapine, which is a substrate of CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. If seizures occur, the clozapine dosage should be reduced or discontinued, and, if necessary, anticonvulsant treatment initiated.[28262] [31301] [53094]
Tardive dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia is a syndrome of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements that may develop in patients treated with antipsychotics. Regular evaluation for movement disorders is recommended (e.g., AIMS, DISCUS). Factors associated with a greater susceptibility to tardive dyskinesia include an age above 55 years, female gender, white or African ethnicity, presence of a mood disorder, intellectual disability, CNS injury, prior or current akathisia, significant parkinsonism, or acute dystonic reaction. The rate of tardive dyskinesia in adults treated with a first generation antipsychotic appears to be at least 3 times that observed with second generation antipsychotics. The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia and the likelihood that it will become irreversible are believed to increase as the duration of treatment and the total cumulative dose of antipsychotics administered to the patient increase. However, the syndrome can develop, although much less commonly, after relatively brief periods at low doses or may arise after drug discontinuation. Antipsychotics may suppress the signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia and thereby mask the underlying process; however, the syndrome may also remit partially or completely if the antipsychotic is withdrawn. The effect that symptomatic suppression has upon the long-term course of the syndrome is unknown. If signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia appear, clozapine discontinuation should be considered. However, some patients may require treatment despite the presence of the syndrome.
Apheresis, AV block, bradycardia, celiac disease, cerebrovascular disease, females, heart failure, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, hyperparathyroidism, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypotension, hypothermia, hypothyroidism, hypovolemia, long QT syndrome, myocardial infarction, orthostatic hypotension, pheochromocytoma, QT prolongation, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell disease, sleep deprivation, syncope, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), torsade de pointes, ventricular arrhythmias
ECG repolarization changes and serious cardiac events, such as QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death, have been reported with clozapine. Clozapine should be used cautiously in patients with conditions that may increase the risk of QT prolongation, such as congenital long QT syndrome, bradycardia, AV block, heart failure, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, or in patients receiving medications that prolong the QT interval or cause electrolyte imbalances. Other risk factors for QT prolongation may include females, patients age 65 years and older, sleep deprivation, pheochromocytoma, sickle cell disease, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, hypothermia, systemic inflammation (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, fever, and some autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and celiac disease) and patients undergoing apheresis procedures (e.g., plasmapheresis [plasma exchange], cytapheresis). ECG should be obtained prior to starting treatment and monitored periodically for changes; treatment should be discontinued if the QT interval measurement exceeds 500 milliseconds. Electrolytes (such as potassium and magnesium) should also be assessed at baseline and any imbalances should be corrected prior to initiating treatment. Orthostatic hypotension, syncope, and cardiac arrest have occurred during clozapine treatment and are consistent with neurally mediated reflex bradycardia. The risk of these serious cardiac effects is highest during the initial titration period and particularly with rapid titration. These effects can also occur with the first dose, with low doses, or in patients who are restarting treatment after a brief interruption in treatment. It is imperative that the manufacturer dosing titration guidelines are followed carefully to minimize the risk of serious cardiac effects. Orthostatic hypotension could also lead to falls with the potential for fractures and other injuries. Complete a fall risk assessment upon antipsychotic initiation in patients with conditions, diseases, or taking concurrent medications that could exacerbate orthostasis and recurrently during long-term therapy in at-risk patients. Use clozapine cautiously in patients with cardiac disease (e.g., history of myocardial infarction or ischemia, heart failure, conduction abnormalities), cerebrovascular disease, or other conditions that could provoke hypotension (e.g., concurrent use of antihypertensives, dehydrated state, or hypovolemia). Prescribers should carefully evaluate symptoms of dizziness, syncope, or palpitations to determine if these are clozapine-related or due to underlying cardiac disease.
Cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, tachycardia
Cardiomyopathy or myocarditis, sometimes fatal, has occurred during clozapine use. Stress-related cardiomyopathy may increase the risk of clozapine associated QT prolongation. Discontinue clozapine and obtain a cardiac evaluation if either cardiomyopathy or myocarditis are suspected. Myocarditis most frequently presents within the first 2 months of treatment and cardiomyopathy symptoms usually occur after 8 weeks of treatment. Cardiomyopathy or myocarditis should be considered in patients receiving clozapine who present with unexplained fatigue, dyspnea, tachypnea, fever, chest pain, palpitations, other signs or symptoms of heart failure, or ECG findings such as ST-T wave abnormalities or cardiac arrhythmias. It is not known whether eosinophilia is a reliable predictor of myocarditis. In patients who are diagnosed with cardiomyopathy while taking clozapine, mitral valve incompetence has been reported. These cases reported either mild or moderate mitral regurgitation on two-dimensional echocardiography. In patients with suspected cardiomyopathy, consider a 2D-echo Doppler exam to identify mitral valve incompetence. Tachycardia during the first month of therapy warrants close monitoring for other signs of myocarditis as, while tachycardia may occur secondary to hypotension, it has been noted as a presenting sign in patients with myocarditis. In general, patients with clozapine-related myocarditis or cardiomyopathy should not be re-challenged with clozapine. However, if the benefit of treatment with clozapine is judged to outweigh the potential risks of recurrent myocarditis or cardiomyopathy, rechallenge with clozapine may be considered in consultation with a cardiologist, after a complete cardiac evaluation, and with close monitoring.
Thromboembolic disease, thromboembolism
Use clozapine with caution in patients with a history of thromboembolism or thromboembolic disease. Pulmonary embolism and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) have occurred in patients treated with clozapine. Consider the possibility of pulmonary embolism in patients who present with deep-vein thrombosis, acute dyspnea, chest pain, or with other respiratory signs and symptoms. Whether pulmonary embolus and DVT can be attributed to clozapine or some characteristic(s) of patients is not clear.
Hepatic disease, hepatitis, hepatotoxicity, jaundice, poor metabolizers
Patients with significant hepatic disease or impairment may require a clozapine dosage reduction, as increased drug exposure is likely with usual doses. Dose reduction may also be necessary for CYP2D6 poor metabolizers. Clozapine concentrations may be increased in these patients because clozapine is almost completely metabolized and then excreted. Clozapine may cause hepatotoxicity. Severe, life-threatening, and in some cases fatal liver injury, including hepatic failure, hepatic necrosis, and hepatitis, have been reported. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity (e.g., fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea, jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, hepatic encephalopathy) and perform liver function tests (LFTs) if hepatotoxicity is suspected. Consider permanent treatment discontinuation if the cause of the liver injury is due to clozapine.[28262] [31301] [53094]
Renal failure, renal impairment
Dose reduction may be necessary in patients with significant renal impairment; use particular caution in patients with renal failure. Clozapine concentrations may be increased in these patients, because clozapine is almost completely metabolized and then excreted.
Anticholinergic medications, closed-angle glaucoma, constipation, fecal impaction, GI obstruction, GI perforation, ileus, prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention
Clozapine exhibits potent anticholinergic effects, which can result in central or peripheral anticholinergic toxicity. Because of this, clozapine commonly causes constipation. Less common but more severe gastrointestinal (GI) reactions include fecal impaction, megacolon, GI obstruction, ischemia, infarction, GI perforation, paralytic ileus, ulceration, or necrosis. Such reactions can lead to hospitalization, surgery, or death if they are not diagnosed and treated quickly. Evaluate bowel function before treatment initiation. Consider prophylactic laxative treatment in patients with a history of constipation or bowel obstruction. Monitor for symptoms consistent with GI hypomotility such as nausea, abdominal distention or pain, and vomiting, and inquire about the frequency and quality of bowel movements throughout treatment. Avoid concurrent use of clozapine with other anticholinergic medications that can cause GI hypomotility. Advise patients frequently about the significant risk of constipation and potentially fatal bowel complications that can occur while taking clozapine and the need to stay hydrated. Advise patients to contact their health care provider immediately if they experience constipation or develop other signs and symptoms of GI hypomotility. Also, use clozapine with caution in patients that have other conditions that may be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, including closed-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, or other conditions in which anticholinergic effects can lead to significant adverse reactions.[28262] [31301] [53094] [64965]
Neurological disease, Parkinson's disease
Antipsychotics can cause motor and sensory instability, which may lead to falls with the potential for fractures and other injuries. Complete a fall risk assessment upon antipsychotic initiation in patients with conditions, diseases (e.g., neurological disease), or taking concurrent medications that could exacerbate motor and sensory instability and recurrently during long-term therapy in at-risk patients. In general, antipsychotics should be avoided in patients with Parkinson's disease due to the potential for dopamine antagonists to exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Although clozapine appears less likely to precipitate worsening of Parkinson's disease than most other antipsychotics, caution and close monitoring are recommended.
Dysphagia
Antipsychotics have been associated with esophageal dysmotility and aspiration of gastric contents, which may increase the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in certain patient populations, such as patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease. Dysphagia and aspiration have been reported during postmarketing use of clozapine. Aspiration pneumonia has occurred in the setting of clozapine overdose. Patients with dysphagia or who are at risk for aspiration pneumonia should be closely monitored while receiving clozapine.
Diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), hypertriglyceridemia, obesity
Atypical antipsychotics, including clozapine, have been associated with metabolic changes that may increase cardiovascular or cerebrovascular risk over time, including loss of blood glucose control, dyslipidemia, and weight gain. Monitoring of weight and evaluation of lipids at baseline and periodically throughout treatment are recommended. Patients with risk factors for diabetes mellitus (e.g., obesity, pre-diabetes, family history) should undergo fasting blood glucose testing at the beginning of treatment and periodically during treatment. Treatment with clozapine should be undertaken with caution in patients with pre-existing conditions such as obesity, pre-diabetes, or hyperlipidemia (e.g., hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia). Hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, in some cases associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) with coma or death, have been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including clozapine. Epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of hyperglycemia-related adverse events in patients treated with the atypical antipsychotics, although precise risk estimates are not available. An increased risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with schizophrenia and the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus, in general, complicates this concern. All patients treated with atypical antipsychotics should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia (polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, weakness). Patients with established diabetes mellitus should be monitored regularly for worsening of glucose control. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycemia during treatment should undergo fasting blood glucose testing. In some cases, hyperglycemia had resolved when the antipsychotic was discontinued; however, some patients required continuation of the anti-diabetic medication(s) despite discontinuation of the suspect drug.[28262] [31301] [53094]
Ambient temperature increase, dehydration, hyperthermia, strenuous exercise
During clozapine therapy, patients have experienced transient, clozapine-related fever. The peak incidence is within the first 3 weeks of treatment. While this fever is generally benign and self-limited, it may necessitate discontinuing treatment. Carefully evaluate patients with fever to rule out severe neutropenia, infection, or other serious conditions. Antipsychotics have been reported to disrupt the body's ability to reduce core body temperature presumably through effects in the hypothalamus, and they predispose patients to hyperthermia. Patients receiving clozapine should be advised of conditions that contribute to an elevation in core body temperature (e.g., strenuous exercise, ambient temperature increase, or dehydration).[28262] [31301] [53094]
Tobacco smoking
Tobacco smoking may increase the clearance of clozapine, resulting in reduced plasma concentrations and the potential loss of efficacy. Tobacco smokers may require higher clozapine doses. Tobacco smoke contains hydrocarbons that moderately induce CYP1A2, one of the isoenzymes responsible for clozapine metabolism. The effect on CYP1A2 is not related to the nicotine component of tobacco, and sudden smoking cessation may result in a reduced clozapine clearance, despite nicotine replacement. Monitor patients carefully when changes in smoking status occur.[28262] [31301] [53094]
Abrupt discontinuation
Abrupt discontinuation of clozapine is not recommended (due to the potential for cholinergic rebound and recurrence of psychotic symptoms) unless required by the patient's medical condition (e.g., moderate to severe neutropenia). Otherwise, discontinuation should occur through a gradual dose reduction over 1 to 2 weeks. Carefully observe patients for the recurrence of psychotic symptoms or cholinergic rebound (e.g., headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) during drug discontinuation. For abrupt clozapine discontinuation unrelated to neutropenia, continuation of the existing absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring is recommended for general population patients until their ANC is 1,500/microL or higher and for benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN) patients until their ANC is at least 1,000/microL or above their baseline. For abrupt discontinuation due to moderate to severe neutropenia, obtain ANCs as specified in the ANC monitoring section of the product labeling. Patients who are eligible to restart clozapine and have missed 2 or more days of medication should undergo titration according to the manufacturer's dosing titration guidelines to minimize the risk of serious and potentially fatal cardiac effects, such as orthostatic hypotension, syncope, and cardiac arrest.[28262] [31301] [53094]
Dementia, geriatric, stroke
Geriatric patients, especially those with compromised cardiac functioning, may be more susceptible to the cardiovascular effects of clozapine, including orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia. Geriatric patients may also be more likely to experience tardive dyskinesia, severe neutropenia (agranulocytosis) or anticholinergic effects (e.g., urinary retention or constipation) due to clozapine. Lower initial doses and gradual titration of clozapine should be considered in the elderly, along with close monitoring. Antipsychotics are not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis in geriatric patients and the use of clozapine in this population should be avoided if possible due to an increase in morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with dementia receiving antipsychotics. Deaths have typically resulted from heart failure, sudden death, or infections (primarily pneumonia). An increased incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack), including fatal events, has also been reported. The Beers Criteria consider antipsychotics to be potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in elderly patients except for treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and nausea/vomiting during chemotherapy. The Beers panel recommends avoiding antipsychotics in geriatric patients with delirium or dementia. While it is recommended that most antipsychotics be avoided in patients with Parkinson's disease due to the potential to worsen parkinsonian symptoms, clozapine appears less likely to precipitate a worsening of symptoms than other antipsychotics and is excluded from the Beers recommendation to avoid use. Non-pharmacological strategies are first-line options for treating delirium- or dementia-related behavioral problems unless they have failed or are not possible and the patient is a substantial threat to self or others. If antipsychotic use is necessary in geriatrics with a history of falls or fractures, consider reducing the use of other CNS depressants and implement other fall risk strategies. Due to the potential for antipsychotic-induced hyponatremia and SIADH, sodium levels should be closely monitored when clozapine is initiated and after dose changes. According to the federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) regulations in residents of long-term care facilities, antipsychotic therapy should only be initiated in a patient with behavioral or psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) when the patient is a danger to self or others or has symptoms due to mania or psychosis. For acute conditions persisting beyond 7 days, appropriate non-pharmacologic interventions must be attempted, unless clinically contraindicated and documented. OBRA provides general dosing guidance for antipsychotic treatment of BPSD. Antipsychotics are subject to periodic review for effectiveness, medical necessity, gradual dose reduction (GDR), or rationale for continued use. Refer to the OBRA guidelines for complete information.
Neonates, pregnancy, pregnancy testing
There are no adequate trials of the effect of clozapine in human pregnancy. Animal studies have produced no evidence of adverse fetal effects; however, the use of clozapine during pregnancy should be undertaken only when needed because animal data may not be indicative of a human response. Clozapine is known to have serious adverse effects that may compromise maternal health and influence pregnancy status. Neonatal effects have been reported with the use of antipsychotics during pregnancy. Extrapyramidal symptoms and/or withdrawal symptoms, including agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder have been reported in neonates exposed to antipsychotics during the third trimester of pregnancy. These complications have varied in severity, with some neonates recovered within hours or days without specific treatment and others requiring prolonged hospitalization. Monitor neonates for extrapyramidal and withdrawal symptoms and manage symptoms appropriately. The knowledge about long-term neurobehavioral effects in offspring is limited for all antipsychotics and requires further investigation. According to the American Psychiatric Association treatment guidelines for schizophrenia, consider pregnancy testing in women of childbearing potential before initiation of an antipsychotic. It is not known if antipsychotics, through their effect on prolactin, would affect labor or obstetric delivery. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors outcomes in pregnant patients exposed to clozapine; information about the registry can be obtained at womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry or by calling 1-866-961-2388.[28262] [31301] [53094] [43461] [49642] [61843]
Breast-feeding
A decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue clozapine, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Anecdotal evidence suggests that clozapine accumulates in human breast milk. An antipsychotic agent other than clozapine would be preferred due to the possibility of clozapine-induced agranulocytosis or other adverse events in the nursing infant; guidelines support that lactating women taking clozapine should not breastfeed. Although elevations in prolactin associated with clozapine are minimal relative to many other antipsychotics, interference with proper lactation is possible. Alternate medications for consideration during breast-feeding include atypical antipsychotic agents such as olanzapine or quetiapine. Data related to the safety of antipsychotics during breast-feeding are limited and chronic administration of any antipsychotic during breast-feeding should be avoided if possible. Regardless of the antipsychotic used, the nursing infant should be closely monitored for excessive drowsiness, lethargy, and developmental delays. Combination treatment with antipsychotics may increase the risk of these adverse events.[28262] [31301] [53094] [46865] [46866] [46867] [46868] [46875] [46964] [46965] [61847]
Children, infants
The safety and efficacy of clozapine use in children and adolescents have not been established. Limited data on the use of clozapine for resistant schizophrenia exists for children older than 9 years of age. Due to the potential for serious adverse effects, including agranulocytosis, only consider clozapine use in children who are refractory to other antipsychotic medications. Routine cardiovascular monitoring has been suggested for children receiving psychotropic medications due to the potential of these agents to produce adverse cardiac effects. There is no known use of clozapine in infants. Additionally, adverse effects have been reported after delivery in newborns exposed to antipsychotics during the third trimester and some cases have included intensive care unit stays and prolonged hospitalization.[28262] [31301] [53094]
Phenylketonuria
Oral disintegrating clozapine tablets (e.g., FazaClo) may contain aspartame and should be used cautiously in patients with phenylketonuria. Phenylalanine is a component of aspartame. Each 25 mg orally disintegrating tablet of FazaClo contains 3.1 mg of aspartame (1.74 mg of phenylalanine), and each 100 mg oral disintegrating tablet of FazaClo contains 12.4 mg of aspartame (6.96 mg of phenylalanine).[31301]
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Abarelix: (Major) Since abarelix can cause QT prolongation, abarelix should be used cautiously, if at all, with other drugs that are associated with QT prolongation. Clozapine may induce QT prolongation.
Abiraterone: (Moderate) Monitor for an increase in clozapine-related adverse reactions if coadministration with abiraterone is necessary; consider reducing the dose of clozapine if clinically appropriate. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. If abiraterone is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. Clozapine is a CYP2D6 substrate and abiraterone is a moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor.
Acarbose: (Moderate) Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus and cause metabolic changes such as hyperglycemia. Monitor patients on antidiabetic agents for worsening glycemic control. The atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Aggravation of diabetes mellitus has been reported. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Acebutolol: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin; Diphenhydramine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as diphenhydramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Acetaminophen; Caffeine: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment.
Acetaminophen; Caffeine; Dihydrocodeine: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment. (Moderate) Pain medications such as dihydrocodeine, should be combined cautiously with clozapine due to the potential for additive depressant effects and possible respiratory depression or hypotension. Concurrent use of clozapine and opiates may also lead to reduced intestinal motility or bladder function.
Acetaminophen; Caffeine; Pyrilamine: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment. (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as pyrilamine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine : (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Acetaminophen; Codeine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of central nervous system depressants, such as clozapine, can potentiate the effects of codeine, which may lead to respiratory depression, CNS depression, sedation, or hypotensive responses. Combining clozapine with opiate agonists may also lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function, resulting in constipation or urinary retention.
Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Doxylamine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as doxylamine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Acetaminophen; Dichloralphenazone; Isometheptene: (Moderate) Drugs that can cause CNS depression, including dichloralphenazone, can increase both the frequency and the intensity of adverse effects such as drowsiness, sedation, and dizziness if used concomitantly with atypical antipsychotics.
Acetaminophen; Diphenhydramine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as diphenhydramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Acetaminophen; Hydrocodone: (Moderate) Concomitant use of hydrocodone with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, may lead to hypotension, profound sedation, coma, respiratory depression and death. Prior to concurrent use of hydrocodone in patients taking a CNS depressant, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Hydrocodone should be used in reduced dosages if used concurrently with a CNS depressant; initiate hydrocodone at 20 to 30% of the usual dosage in patients that are concurrently receiving another CNS depressant. Also consider a using a lower dose of the CNS depressant. Monitor patients for sedation and respiratory depression. In addition, combining clozapine with opiate agonists may lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function.
Acetaminophen; Oxycodone: (Moderate) Concomitant use of oxycodone with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, can lead to additive respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, or coma. In addition, this drug combination may result in additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function. Prior to concurrent use of oxycodone in patients taking clozapine, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Oxycodone should be used in reduced dosages if used concurrently with a CNS depressant; initiate oxycodone at one-third to one-half the usual dosage in patients that are concurrently receiving another CNS depressant. Also consider using a lower clozapine dose. Monitor patients for sedation and respiratory depression.
Acetaminophen; Pamabrom; Pyrilamine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as pyrilamine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Acetaminophen; Pentazocine: (Moderate) Coadministration of pentazocine with atypical antipsychotics may result in additive respiratory and CNS depression and anticholinergic effects, such as urinary retention and constipation. Use pentazocine with caution in any patient receiving medication with CNS depressant and/or anticholinergic activity.
Acetazolamide: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of clozapine and acetazolamide as electrolyte imbalance caused by diuretics may increase the risk of QT prolongation with clozapine.
Adagrasib: (Major) Avoid concomitant use of adagrasib and clozapine due to the potential for increased clozapine exposure and additive risk for QT/QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP). If use is necessary, monitor for clozapine-related adverse effects and consider taking additional steps to minimize the risk for QT prolongation and TdP, such as electrolyte monitoring and repletion and ECG monitoring. Clozapine is a CYP3A and CYP2D6 substrate, adagrasib is a strong CYP3A and moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor, and both medications have been associated with QT interval prolongation.
Ado-Trastuzumab emtansine: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Albiglutide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and incretin mimetic use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Aldesleukin, IL-2: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist. In addition, Aldesleukin, IL-2 may affect CNS function significantly. Therefore, psychotropic pharmacodynamic interactions could occur following concomitant administration of drugs with significant CNS or psychotropic activity (e.g., antipsychotics). Use with caution. Patients developing mood disturbances, moderate to severe lethargy/somnolence while on aldesleukin should seek evaluation from their health care provider.
Alemtuzumab: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Alfentanil: (Moderate) Concomitant use of alfentanil with other CNS depressants, including clozapine, can potentiate the effects of alfentanil on respiration, alertness, and blood pressure. Combining alfentanil with clozapine may also lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function. A dose reduction of one or both drugs may be warranted.
Alfuzosin: (Moderate) Use caution when administering alfuzosin with clozapine due to the potential for QT prolongation. Alfuzosin may prolong the QT interval in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Alkylating agents: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Alogliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Alogliptin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and metformin use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Alogliptin; Pioglitazone: (Moderate) Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus and cause metabolic changes such as hyperglycemia. Monitor patients on antidiabetic agents for worsening glycemic control. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Aggravation of diabetes mellitus has been reported. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Alosetron: (Moderate) Alosetron, if combined with drugs that possess anticholinergic properties like clozapine, may seriously worsen constipation, leading to events such as GI obstruction/impaction or paralytic ileus.
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors: (Moderate) Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus and cause metabolic changes such as hyperglycemia. Monitor patients on antidiabetic agents for worsening glycemic control. The atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Aggravation of diabetes mellitus has been reported. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Alprazolam: (Moderate) If concurrent therapy with clozapine and a benzodiazepine is necessary, it is advisable to begin with the lowest possible benzodiazepine dose and closely monitor the patient, particularly at initiation of treatment and following dose increases. Although the combination has been used safely, adverse reactions such as confusion, ataxia, somnolence, delirium, collapse, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and death have occurred rarely in patients receiving clozapine concurrently or following benzodiazepine therapy. Several benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, oxazepam, flurazepam, diazepam, clobazam, flunitrazepam, and lorazepam have been implicated in these reactions. At least one case of sudden death was reported following intravenous administration of lorazepam to a patient receiving clozapine.
Altretamine: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Amantadine: (Moderate) Medications with significant anticholinergic activity, such as clozapine, may potentiate the anticholinergic effects of amantadine, and may increase the risk of antimuscarinic-related side effects.
Ambenonium Chloride: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of ambenonium may be diminished when co-administered with the antimuscarinics. Drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties that could potentially interfere with the cholinesterase inhibitor activity include clozapine.
Amifampridine: (Major) Carefully consider the need for concomitant treatment with atypical antipsychotics and amifampridine, as coadministration may increase the risk of seizures. If coadministration occurs, closely monitor patients for seizure activity. Seizures have been observed in patients without a history of seizures taking amifampridine at recommended doses. Atypical antipsychotics may increase the risk of seizures.
Amiloride: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and adjust amiloride dose accordingly as clozapine may enhance the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive agents.
Amiloride; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor blood pressure and adjust amiloride dose accordingly as clozapine may enhance the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive agents.
Amiodarone: (Major) Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. The manufacturer of clozapine recommends caution during concurrent use with medications known to cause QT prolongation such as amiodarone. In addition, amiodarone is an inhibitor of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, two of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Amisulpride: (Major) Monitor ECGs for QT prolongation when amisulpride is administered with clozapine. Amisulpride causes dose- and concentration- dependent QT prolongation. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Amlodipine: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Amlodipine; Atorvastatin: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Amlodipine; Benazepril: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Amlodipine; Celecoxib: (Moderate) A dosage adjustment may be warranted for clozapine if coadministered with celecoxib due to the potential for celecoxib to enhance the exposure and toxicity of clozapine. Celecoxib is a CYP2D6 inhibitor, and clozapine is a CYP2D6 substrate. (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Amlodipine; Olmesartan: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Amlodipine; Valsartan: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Amlodipine; Valsartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Amobarbital: (Moderate) Patients on certain anticonvulsant therapies should receive clozapine with caution. Clozapine may interact with anticonvulsants in several ways; concurrent use of clozapine in patients on antiepileptic medications is not recommended in seizures that are not well controlled. Clozapine lowers the seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner and thus may induce seizures; dosage adjustments of clozapine should be cautious. CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 isoenzymes metabolize clozapine; anticonvulsant drugs known to induce one or more of these isoenzymes include barbiturates. Clinicians should monitor for reduced clozapine effectiveness during concurrent use of anticonvulsants that are weak to moderate CYP inducers. Additive sedation may be noted initially with concurrent clozapine and barbiturate use; enzyme induction by barbiturates takes several days to become clinically apparent.
Amoxapine: (Moderate) Amoxapine exhibits some antipsychotic activity and may increase the risk of tardive dyskinesia or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) when clozapine is given concurrently. In addition, additive anticholinergic effects and sedation are possible, as well as lowering of the seizure threshold.
Amoxicillin; Clarithromycin; Omeprazole: (Major) Due to an increased risk for QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP), caution is advised when administering clarithromycin with clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Administration of clarithromycin has resulted in prolongation of the QT interval and TdP. In addition, clarithromycin is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. (Moderate) The addition of omeprazole to clozapine therapy resulted in a roughly 40% reduction in clozapine plasma concentrations in at least 2 patients. Omeprazole is an inducer of CYP1A2, one of the isoenzymes reponsible for the metabolism of clozapine. According to the manufacturer of clozapine, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a weak to moderate CYP1A2 inducer should be monitored for loss of effectiveness. Consideration should be given to increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inducer is discontinued, monitor for adverse reactions, and consider reducing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Anagrelide: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of anagrelide and clozapine. Anagrelide is an inhibitor of CYP1A2, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4 may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. When initiating clozapine or adding a mild or moderate CYP1A2 inhibitor to clozapine treatment, monitor for adverse reactions and consider reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: (Moderate) Lisinopril may decrease the renal elimination of clozapine and metabolites. Clozapine toxicity, including irritability, anger, insomnia, nightmares and sialorrhea may occur. The mechanism of this interaction is unclear; however, as lisinopril does not undergo metabolism, cytochrome P450 enzyme involvement is unlikely. It is speculated that a decrease in renal elimination of clozapine occurs due to a lisinopril-induced reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Plasma clozapine concentrations should be measured carefully during concomitant lisinopril therapy; another antihypertensive class may need to be selected. In addition, clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Anticholinergics: (Major) Avoid co-prescribing clozapine with other anticholinergic medicines that can cause gastrointestinal hypomotility, due to a potential to increase serious constipation, ileus, and other potentially serious bowel conditions that may result in hospitalization. Clozapine exhibits potent anticholinergic effects. Additive anticholinergic effects may be seen when clozapine is used concomitantly with anticholinergic agents. Adverse effects may be seen not only on GI smooth muscle, but also on bladder function, the CNS, the eye, and temperature regulation. Additive drowsiness may also occur, depending on the anticholinergic agent used.
Antimetabolites: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Apalutamide: (Major) Coadministration of clozapine with apalutamide is not recommended due to decreased plasma concentrations of clozapine. If concomitant use is unavoidable, the patient should be monitored for loss of efficacy; consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. When apalutamide is discontinued, reduce the clozapine dose based on clinical response. Clozapine is a CYP3A4 substrate and apalutamide is a strong CYP3A4 inducer.
Apomorphine: (Moderate) Coadministration of apomorphine and clozapine may increase the risk for QT prolongation or sedation. Apomorphine and clozapine may decrease the effectiveness of each other due to opposing effects on dopamine. Additive CNS effects are also possible. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Dose-related QTc prolongation is associated with therapeutic apomorphine exposure. In general, atypical antipsychotics are less likely to interfere with Parkinson's disease treatments than traditional antipsychotics. Monitor for movement disorders, unusual changes in moods or behavior, sedation, fast, irregular heartbeat, and diminished effectiveness of either agent if coadministration cannot be avoided.
Aprepitant, Fosaprepitant: (Major) Use caution if clozapine and aprepitant, fosaprepitant are used concurrently and monitor for an increase in clozapine-related adverse effects for several days after administration of a multi-day aprepitant regimen. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias or other adverse effects. Clozapine is a CYP3A4 substrate. Aprepitant, when administered as a 3-day oral regimen (125 mg/80 mg/80 mg), is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and inducer and may increase plasma concentrations of clozapine. For example, a 5-day oral aprepitant regimen increased the AUC of another CYP3A4 substrate, midazolam (single dose), by 2.3-fold on day 1 and by 3.3-fold on day 5. After a 3-day oral aprepitant regimen, the AUC of midazolam (given on days 1, 4, 8, and 15) increased by 25% on day 4, and then decreased by 19% and 4% on days 8 and 15, respectively. As a single 125 mg or 40 mg oral dose, the inhibitory effect of aprepitant on CYP3A4 is weak, with the AUC of midazolam increased by 1.5-fold and 1.2-fold, respectively. After administration, fosaprepitant is rapidly converted to aprepitant and shares many of the same drug interactions. However, as a single 150 mg intravenous dose, fosaprepitant only weakly inhibits CYP3A4 for a duration of 2 days; there is no evidence of CYP3A4 induction. Fosaprepitant 150 mg IV as a single dose increased the AUC of midazolam (given on days 1 and 4) by approximately 1.8-fold on day 1; there was no effect on day 4. Less than a 2-fold increase in the midazolam AUC is not considered clinically important.
Aripiprazole: (Major) QT prolongation has occurred during therapeutic use of aripiprazole and following overdose. Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic with a possible risk for QT prolongation and TdP that should be used cautiously and with close monitoring with aripiprazole. In addition, caution is advisable when aripiprazole is given in combination with other CNS depressants such as other atypical antipsychotics. The risk of drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension, extrapyramidal symptoms, anticholinergic effects, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, or seizures may be increased during combined use; therefore, it may be advisable to initiate treatment with lower dosages if combination therapy is deemed necessary. The likelihood of these pharmacodynamic interactions varies based upon the individual properties of the co-administered antipsychotic agent.
Armodafinil: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of modafinil or armodafinil with clozapine. Modanil and armodafinil have potential to induce CYP1A2, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP1A2 inducer should be monitored for loss of effectiveness. Consideration should be given to increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. An interaction between modafinil and clozapine has been reported in a case report that resulted in clinical side effects. After the addition of modafinil to the drug regimen of a patient stabilized on clozapine, the patient became symptomatic with dizziness, problems with gait, and sinus tachycardia. Clozapine serum concentrations were found to be elevated. All symptoms resolved and the patient's clozapine levels returned to normal on modafinil discontinuation. The mechanism of the interaction is unclear, but may be related to changes in clozapine metabolism by modafinil. Concomitant therapy of modafinil and clozapine should be approached with close monitoring of the patient's clinical status.
Arsenic Trioxide: (Major) If possible, drugs that are known to prolong the QT interval should be discontinued prior to initiating arsenic trioxide therapy. QT prolongation should be expected with the administration of arsenic trioxide. Torsade de pointes (TdP) and complete atrioventricular block have been reported. Drugs with a possible risk for QT prolongation and TdP that should be used cautiously with arsenic trioxide include clozapine. In addition, it is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Artemether; Lumefantrine: (Major) Artemether; lumefantrine is an inhibitor and clozapine is a substrate of the CYP2D6 isoenzyme; therefore, coadministration may lead to increased clozapine concentrations. Furthermore, although there are no studies examining the effects of artemether; lumefantrine in patients receiving other QT prolonging drugs, coadministration of such drugs may result in additive QT prolongation. Concomitant use of artemether; lumefantrine with drugs that may prolong the QT interval, such as clozapine, should be avoided. Consider ECG monitoring if clozapine must be used with or after artemether; lumefantrine treatment.
Articaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Clozapine may induce significant alpha-adrenergic blockade during clozapine overdose, leading to profound hypotension. Epinephrine should generally not be used to treat clozapine-induced hypotension due to the unopposed beta-activity, which potentially could worsen the hypotension.
Asciminib: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with asciminib and monitor for adverse reactions. If asciminib is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A. Asciminib is a weak CYP3A inhibitor.
Asenapine: (Major) Asenapine has been associated with QT prolongation. According to the manufacturer of asenapine, the drug should be avoided in combination with other agents also known to have this effect, such as clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Coadministration of asenapine with clozapine may also increase the risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, extrapyramidal symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or seizures. The likelihood of these pharmacodynamic interactions varies based upon the individual properties of the co-administered antipsychotic agent. Although the incidence of tardive dyskinesia from combination antipsychotic therapy has not been established and data are very limited, the risk appears to be increased during use of a conventional and atypical antipsychotic versus use of a conventional antipsychotic alone.
Aspirin, ASA; Butalbital; Caffeine: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment. (Moderate) Patients on certain anticonvulsant therapies should receive clozapine with caution. Clozapine may interact with anticonvulsants in several ways; concurrent use of clozapine in patients on antiepileptic medications is not recommended in seizures that are not well controlled. Clozapine lowers the seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner and thus may induce seizures; dosage adjustments of clozapine should be cautious. CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 isoenzymes metabolize clozapine; anticonvulsant drugs known to induce one or more of these isoenzymes include barbiturates. Clinicians should monitor for reduced clozapine effectiveness during concurrent use of anticonvulsants that are weak to moderate CYP inducers. Additive sedation may be noted initially with concurrent clozapine and barbiturate use; enzyme induction by barbiturates takes several days to become clinically apparent.
Aspirin, ASA; Butalbital; Caffeine; Codeine: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment. (Moderate) Concomitant use of central nervous system depressants, such as clozapine, can potentiate the effects of codeine, which may lead to respiratory depression, CNS depression, sedation, or hypotensive responses. Combining clozapine with opiate agonists may also lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function, resulting in constipation or urinary retention. (Moderate) Patients on certain anticonvulsant therapies should receive clozapine with caution. Clozapine may interact with anticonvulsants in several ways; concurrent use of clozapine in patients on antiepileptic medications is not recommended in seizures that are not well controlled. Clozapine lowers the seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner and thus may induce seizures; dosage adjustments of clozapine should be cautious. CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 isoenzymes metabolize clozapine; anticonvulsant drugs known to induce one or more of these isoenzymes include barbiturates. Clinicians should monitor for reduced clozapine effectiveness during concurrent use of anticonvulsants that are weak to moderate CYP inducers. Additive sedation may be noted initially with concurrent clozapine and barbiturate use; enzyme induction by barbiturates takes several days to become clinically apparent.
Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment.
Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine; Orphenadrine: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment. (Moderate) Additive anticholinergic effects may be seen when drugs with anticholinergic properties, like clozapine and orphenadrine, are used concomitantly. Adverse effects may be seen not only on GI smooth muscle, but also on bladder function, the CNS, the eye, and temperature regulation. Additive drowsiness may also occur.
Aspirin, ASA; Carisoprodol: (Moderate) Skeletal muscle relaxants should be combined cautiously with clozapine because they could cause additive depressant effects and possible respiratory depression or hypotension.
Aspirin, ASA; Carisoprodol; Codeine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of central nervous system depressants, such as clozapine, can potentiate the effects of codeine, which may lead to respiratory depression, CNS depression, sedation, or hypotensive responses. Combining clozapine with opiate agonists may also lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function, resulting in constipation or urinary retention. (Moderate) Skeletal muscle relaxants should be combined cautiously with clozapine because they could cause additive depressant effects and possible respiratory depression or hypotension.
Aspirin, ASA; Omeprazole: (Moderate) The addition of omeprazole to clozapine therapy resulted in a roughly 40% reduction in clozapine plasma concentrations in at least 2 patients. Omeprazole is an inducer of CYP1A2, one of the isoenzymes reponsible for the metabolism of clozapine. According to the manufacturer of clozapine, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a weak to moderate CYP1A2 inducer should be monitored for loss of effectiveness. Consideration should be given to increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inducer is discontinued, monitor for adverse reactions, and consider reducing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Aspirin, ASA; Oxycodone: (Moderate) Concomitant use of oxycodone with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, can lead to additive respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, or coma. In addition, this drug combination may result in additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function. Prior to concurrent use of oxycodone in patients taking clozapine, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Oxycodone should be used in reduced dosages if used concurrently with a CNS depressant; initiate oxycodone at one-third to one-half the usual dosage in patients that are concurrently receiving another CNS depressant. Also consider using a lower clozapine dose. Monitor patients for sedation and respiratory depression.
Atazanavir: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of atazanavir and clozapine. Atazanavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Atazanavir; Cobicistat: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of atazanavir and clozapine. Atazanavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of cobicistat and clozapine. Cobicistat is an inhibitor of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, two of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Atenolol: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Atenolol; Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Atomoxetine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of atomoxetine and clozapine may increase the risk of QT/QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) in some patients. Consider taking steps to minimize the risk of QT/QTc interval prolongation and TdP, such as avoidance, electrolyte monitoring and repletion, and ECG monitoring, especially in patients with additional risk factors for TdP.
Atropine; Difenoxin: (Moderate) Diphenoxylate decreases GI motility. Other drugs that also decrease GI motility, such as clozapine, may produce additive effects with diphenoxylate if used concomitantly.
Avacopan: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with avacopan and monitor for adverse reactions. If avacopan is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A; avacopan is a weak CYP3A inhibitor.
Azithromycin: (Major) Avoid coadministration of azithromycin with clozapine due to the increased risk of QT prolongation. If use together is necessary, obtain an ECG at baseline to assess initial QT interval and determine frequency of subsequent ECG monitoring, avoid any non-essential QT prolonging drugs, and correct electrolyte imbalances. QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) have been spontaneously reported during azithromycin postmarketing surveillance. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Vaccine, BCG: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Baclofen: (Moderate) Skeletal muscle relaxants should be combined cautiously with clozapine because they could cause additive depressant effects and possible respiratory depression or hypotension.
Bedaquiline: (Major) Due to the potential for QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP), caution is advised when administering bedaquiline with clozapine. Bedaquiline has been reported to prolong the QT interval. Prior to initiating bedaquiline, obtain serum electrolyte concentrations and a baseline ECG. An ECG should also be performed at least 2, 12, and 24 weeks after starting bedaquiline therapy. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Belinostat: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Belladonna; Opium: (Moderate) Pain medications such as opiate agonists, should be combined cautiously with clozapine because they could cause additive depressant effects and possible respiratory depression or hypotension.
Belumosudil: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with belumosudil and monitor for adverse reactions. If belumosudil is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A. Belumosudil is a weak CYP3A inhibitor.
Belzutifan: (Moderate) Monitor for loss of clozapine effectiveness if coadministered with belzutifan. Consideration should be given to increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. When belzutifan is discontinued, reduce the clozapine dose based on clinical response. Belzutifan is a weak inducer of CYP3A, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine.
Bendamustine: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Bendroflumethiazide; Nadolol: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Benzhydrocodone; Acetaminophen: (Major) Concomitant use of opioid agonists with clozapine may cause respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, and death. Limit the use of opioid pain medications with clozapine to only patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. If concurrent use is necessary, use the lowest effective doses and minimum treatment durations needed to achieve the desired clinical effect. If benzhydrocodone is initiated in a patient taking clozapine, reduce initial dosage and titrate to clinical response. If clozapine is initiated a patient taking an opioid agonist, use a lower initial dose of clozapine and titrate to clinical response. Educate patients about the risks and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.
Benzodiazepines: (Moderate) If concurrent therapy with clozapine and a benzodiazepine is necessary, it is advisable to begin with the lowest possible benzodiazepine dose and closely monitor the patient, particularly at initiation of treatment and following dose increases. Although the combination has been used safely, adverse reactions such as confusion, ataxia, somnolence, delirium, collapse, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and death have occurred rarely in patients receiving clozapine concurrently or following benzodiazepine therapy. Several benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, oxazepam, flurazepam, diazepam, clobazam, flunitrazepam, and lorazepam have been implicated in these reactions. At least one case of sudden death was reported following intravenous administration of lorazepam to a patient receiving clozapine.
Berotralstat: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with berotralstat and monitor for adverse reactions. If berotralstat is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is a CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 substrate and berotralstat is a moderate CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitor.
Beta-adrenergic blockers: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Betaxolol: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Bethanechol: (Moderate) Drugs that possess antimuscarinic properties, such as clozapine, are pharmacologic opposites of bethanechol. These agents should not be used with bethanechol except when the specific intent is to counteract excessive actions of one or the other.
Bexarotene: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Bicalutamide: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with bicalutamide and monitor for adverse reactions. If bicalutamide is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A4. Bicalutamide is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor.
Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium; Metronidazole; Tetracycline: (Moderate) Concomitant use of metronidazole and clozapine may increase the risk of QT/QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) in some patients. Consider taking steps to minimize the risk of QT/QTc interval prolongation and TdP, such as avoidance, electrolyte monitoring and repletion, and ECG monitoring, especially in patients with additional risk factors for TdP.
Bismuth Subsalicylate: (Moderate) Antidiarrheals decrease GI motility. Agents that inhibit intestinal motility or prolong intestinal transit time have been reported to induce toxic megacolon. The concomitant administration of clozapine may produce additive effects.
Bismuth Subsalicylate; Metronidazole; Tetracycline: (Moderate) Antidiarrheals decrease GI motility. Agents that inhibit intestinal motility or prolong intestinal transit time have been reported to induce toxic megacolon. The concomitant administration of clozapine may produce additive effects. (Moderate) Concomitant use of metronidazole and clozapine may increase the risk of QT/QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) in some patients. Consider taking steps to minimize the risk of QT/QTc interval prolongation and TdP, such as avoidance, electrolyte monitoring and repletion, and ECG monitoring, especially in patients with additional risk factors for TdP.
Bisoprolol: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Bisoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Blinatumomab: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Bortezomib: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Bosentan: (Moderate) Concomitant use of clozapine and bosentan can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of bosentan; monitor for hypotension. In addition, bosentan is an inducer of CYP3A4 and clozapine is partially metabolized by this isoenzyme. According to the manufacturer of clozapine, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a weak to moderate CYP3A4 inducer should be monitored for loss of effectiveness. Consideration should be given to increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inducer is discontinued, monitor for adverse reactions, and consider reducing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Bosutinib: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Brentuximab vedotin: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Brexpiprazole: (Major) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of brexpiprazole with other antipsychotics such as clozapine. The risk of drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension, extrapyramidal symptoms, anticholinergic effects, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or seizures may be increased during combined use; therefore, it may be advisable to initiate treatment with lower dosages if combination therapy is deemed necessary.
Brimonidine; Timolol: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Bromocriptine: (Moderate) The effectiveness of bromocriptine may be reduced by most of the atypical antipsychotics, via their action as dopamine antagonists. Monitor the patient for reduced response to bromocriptine. The atypical antipsychotics elevate prolactin to various degrees. Atypical antipsychotics may also aggravate diabetes mellitus and cause metabolic changes including hyperglycemia; use caution if bromocriptine is taken for diabetes. If bromocriptine is taken for diabetes, monitor for worsening glycemic control.
Brompheniramine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as brompheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Brompheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as brompheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Brompheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as brompheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Brompheniramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as brompheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Brompheniramine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as brompheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Brompheniramine; Pseudoephedrine; Dextromethorphan: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as brompheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Bupivacaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Clozapine may induce significant alpha-adrenergic blockade during clozapine overdose, leading to profound hypotension. Epinephrine should generally not be used to treat clozapine-induced hypotension due to the unopposed beta-activity, which potentially could worsen the hypotension.
Buprenorphine: (Major) Due to the potential for QT prolongation and additive CNS depressant effects, cautious use and close monitoring are advisable if concurrent use of clozapine and buprenorphine is necessary. Buprenorphine has been associated with QT prolongation and has a possible risk of torsade de pointes (TdP). Clozapine has a possible risk for QT prolongation and TdP. FDA-approved labeling for some buprenorphine products recommend avoiding use with Class 1A and Class III antiarrhythmic medications while other labels recommend avoiding use with any drug that has the potential to prolong the QT interval. If concurrent use of clozapine and buprenorphine is necessary, consider a dose reduction of one or both drugs. Hypotension, profound sedation, coma, respiratory depression, or death may occur during co-administration of buprenorphine and other CNS depressants. Prior to concurrent use of buprenorphine in patients taking a CNS depressant, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Evaluate the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. It is recommended that the injectable buprenorphine dose be halved for patients who receive other drugs with CNS depressant effects; for the buprenorphine transdermal patch, start with the 5 mcg/hour patch. Monitor patients for sedation or respiratory depression.
Buprenorphine; Naloxone: (Major) Due to the potential for QT prolongation and additive CNS depressant effects, cautious use and close monitoring are advisable if concurrent use of clozapine and buprenorphine is necessary. Buprenorphine has been associated with QT prolongation and has a possible risk of torsade de pointes (TdP). Clozapine has a possible risk for QT prolongation and TdP. FDA-approved labeling for some buprenorphine products recommend avoiding use with Class 1A and Class III antiarrhythmic medications while other labels recommend avoiding use with any drug that has the potential to prolong the QT interval. If concurrent use of clozapine and buprenorphine is necessary, consider a dose reduction of one or both drugs. Hypotension, profound sedation, coma, respiratory depression, or death may occur during co-administration of buprenorphine and other CNS depressants. Prior to concurrent use of buprenorphine in patients taking a CNS depressant, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Evaluate the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. It is recommended that the injectable buprenorphine dose be halved for patients who receive other drugs with CNS depressant effects; for the buprenorphine transdermal patch, start with the 5 mcg/hour patch. Monitor patients for sedation or respiratory depression.
Bupropion: (Major) Monitor for evidence of clozapine-related adverse reactions and consider a clozapine dose reduction if necessary when coadministered with bupropion. If bupropion is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine affect and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. Concurrent use may result in increased clozapine exposure due to inhibition of CYP2D6 metabolism by bupropion. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. Furthermore, bupropion is associated with a dose-related risk of seizures; this risk may be increased by antipsychotics.
Bupropion; Naltrexone: (Major) Monitor for evidence of clozapine-related adverse reactions and consider a clozapine dose reduction if necessary when coadministered with bupropion. If bupropion is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine affect and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. Concurrent use may result in increased clozapine exposure due to inhibition of CYP2D6 metabolism by bupropion. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. Furthermore, bupropion is associated with a dose-related risk of seizures; this risk may be increased by antipsychotics.
Buspirone: (Moderate) Monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increase, during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and buspirone use. If serotonin syndrome occurs, discontinue therapy. Concomitant use increases the risk for serotonin syndrome.
Butabarbital: (Moderate) Patients on certain anticonvulsant therapies should receive clozapine with caution. Clozapine may interact with anticonvulsants in several ways; concurrent use of clozapine in patients on antiepileptic medications is not recommended in seizures that are not well controlled. Clozapine lowers the seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner and thus may induce seizures; dosage adjustments of clozapine should be cautious. CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 isoenzymes metabolize clozapine; anticonvulsant drugs known to induce one or more of these isoenzymes include barbiturates. Clinicians should monitor for reduced clozapine effectiveness during concurrent use of anticonvulsants that are weak to moderate CYP inducers. Additive sedation may be noted initially with concurrent clozapine and barbiturate use; enzyme induction by barbiturates takes several days to become clinically apparent.
Butalbital; Acetaminophen: (Moderate) Patients on certain anticonvulsant therapies should receive clozapine with caution. Clozapine may interact with anticonvulsants in several ways; concurrent use of clozapine in patients on antiepileptic medications is not recommended in seizures that are not well controlled. Clozapine lowers the seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner and thus may induce seizures; dosage adjustments of clozapine should be cautious. CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 isoenzymes metabolize clozapine; anticonvulsant drugs known to induce one or more of these isoenzymes include barbiturates. Clinicians should monitor for reduced clozapine effectiveness during concurrent use of anticonvulsants that are weak to moderate CYP inducers. Additive sedation may be noted initially with concurrent clozapine and barbiturate use; enzyme induction by barbiturates takes several days to become clinically apparent.
Butalbital; Acetaminophen; Caffeine: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment. (Moderate) Patients on certain anticonvulsant therapies should receive clozapine with caution. Clozapine may interact with anticonvulsants in several ways; concurrent use of clozapine in patients on antiepileptic medications is not recommended in seizures that are not well controlled. Clozapine lowers the seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner and thus may induce seizures; dosage adjustments of clozapine should be cautious. CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 isoenzymes metabolize clozapine; anticonvulsant drugs known to induce one or more of these isoenzymes include barbiturates. Clinicians should monitor for reduced clozapine effectiveness during concurrent use of anticonvulsants that are weak to moderate CYP inducers. Additive sedation may be noted initially with concurrent clozapine and barbiturate use; enzyme induction by barbiturates takes several days to become clinically apparent.
Butalbital; Acetaminophen; Caffeine; Codeine: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment. (Moderate) Concomitant use of central nervous system depressants, such as clozapine, can potentiate the effects of codeine, which may lead to respiratory depression, CNS depression, sedation, or hypotensive responses. Combining clozapine with opiate agonists may also lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function, resulting in constipation or urinary retention. (Moderate) Patients on certain anticonvulsant therapies should receive clozapine with caution. Clozapine may interact with anticonvulsants in several ways; concurrent use of clozapine in patients on antiepileptic medications is not recommended in seizures that are not well controlled. Clozapine lowers the seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner and thus may induce seizures; dosage adjustments of clozapine should be cautious. CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 isoenzymes metabolize clozapine; anticonvulsant drugs known to induce one or more of these isoenzymes include barbiturates. Clinicians should monitor for reduced clozapine effectiveness during concurrent use of anticonvulsants that are weak to moderate CYP inducers. Additive sedation may be noted initially with concurrent clozapine and barbiturate use; enzyme induction by barbiturates takes several days to become clinically apparent.
Butorphanol: (Moderate) Concomitant use of butorphanol with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, can potentiate the effects of butorphanol on respiratory depression, CNS depression, and sedation.
Cabergoline: (Moderate) Cabergoline should not be coadministered with clozapine due to mutually antagonistic effects on dopaminergic function. The dopamine antagonist action of clozapine may diminish the prolactin-lowering ability of cabergoline while the dopamine agonist effects of cabergoline may exacerbate a psychotic disorder, reducing the effectiveness of antipsychotics such as clozapine. It should be noted that the effect of clozapine on prolactin is generally not clinically relevant.
Cabotegravir; Rilpivirine: (Moderate) Caution is advised when administering rilpivirine with clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Supratherapeutic doses of rilpivirine (75 to 300 mg/day) have caused QT prolongation. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Caffeine: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment. (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment.
Caffeine; Sodium Benzoate: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment.
Canagliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and SGLT2 inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Canagliflozin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and metformin use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and SGLT2 inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Cannabidiol: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with cannabidiol and monitor for adverse reactions. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is a CYP1A2 substrate and cannabidiol is a weak CYP1A2 inhibitor. Also monitor for excessive sedation and somnolence during coadministration of cannabidiol and clozapine; additive CNS depression may occur.
Capmatinib: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with capmatinib and monitor for adverse reactions. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is a CYP1A2 substrate. Capmatinib is a weak CYP1A2 inhibitor.
Capsaicin; Metaxalone: (Moderate) Skeletal muscle relaxants should be combined cautiously with clozapine because they could cause additive depressant effects and possible respiratory depression or hypotension.
Carbamazepine: (Major) Coadministration of clozapine, a CYP3A4 substrate, with a potent inducer of CYP3A4, such as carbamazepine, is not recommended. If coadministration is necessary, monitor for decreased effectiveness of clozapine and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inducer is discontinued, reduce the clozapine dose based on clinical response. Carbamazepine may also increase the metabolism of clozapine through induction of CYP1A2. Both agents have myelosuppressive properties; patients should be monitored for and instructed about symptoms of infection. Lastly, close monitoring is recommended when clozapine is administered to patients with a seizure disorder because clozapine lowers the seizure threshold. The effectiveness of carbamazepine in treating seizures may be reduced. Dosage adjustments may be necessary and close monitoring is warranted when carbamazepine is used with clozapine.
Carbidopa; Levodopa: (Moderate) Monitor for movement disorders, unusual changes in moods or behavior, and diminished effectiveness of the atypical antipsychotic or levodopa during coadministration. Due to mutually opposing effects on dopamine, atypical antipsychotics and levodopa may interfere with the effectiveness of each other. In general, atypical antipsychotics are less likely to interfere with levodopa and other antiparkinson's treatments than traditional antipsychotics.
Carbidopa; Levodopa; Entacapone: (Moderate) Monitor for movement disorders, unusual changes in moods or behavior, and diminished effectiveness of the atypical antipsychotic or COMT inhibitor during coadministration. Due to mutually opposing effects on dopamine, atypical antipsychotics and COMT inhibitors may interfere with the effectiveness of each other. In general, atypical antipsychotics are less likely to interfere with COMT inhibitors and other Parkinson's treatments than traditional antipsychotics. The Beers Criteria recognize quetiapine and clozapine as exceptions to the general recommendation to avoid all antipsychotics in older adults with Parkinson's disease. (Moderate) Monitor for movement disorders, unusual changes in moods or behavior, and diminished effectiveness of the atypical antipsychotic or levodopa during coadministration. Due to mutually opposing effects on dopamine, atypical antipsychotics and levodopa may interfere with the effectiveness of each other. In general, atypical antipsychotics are less likely to interfere with levodopa and other antiparkinson's treatments than traditional antipsychotics.
Carbinoxamine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as carbinoxamine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Carbinoxamine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as carbinoxamine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Carbinoxamine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as carbinoxamine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Carbinoxamine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as carbinoxamine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Carboplatin: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Carfilzomib: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Cariprazine: (Moderate) The risk of adverse effects may be increased during concurrent use of cariprazine with other antipsychotics, such as clozapine. Similar to other antipsychotics, cariprazine administration has been associated with drowsiness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, extrapyramidal symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and seizures. The likelihood of these pharmacodynamic interactions varies based upon the individual properties of the co-administered antipsychotic agent. The incidence of tardive dyskinesia from combination antipsychotic therapy has not been established and data are very limited, but the risk appears to be increased.
Carisoprodol: (Moderate) Skeletal muscle relaxants should be combined cautiously with clozapine because they could cause additive depressant effects and possible respiratory depression or hypotension.
Carmustine, BCNU: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Carteolol: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Carvedilol: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Celecoxib: (Moderate) A dosage adjustment may be warranted for clozapine if coadministered with celecoxib due to the potential for celecoxib to enhance the exposure and toxicity of clozapine. Celecoxib is a CYP2D6 inhibitor, and clozapine is a CYP2D6 substrate.
Celecoxib; Tramadol: (Moderate) A dosage adjustment may be warranted for clozapine if coadministered with celecoxib due to the potential for celecoxib to enhance the exposure and toxicity of clozapine. Celecoxib is a CYP2D6 inhibitor, and clozapine is a CYP2D6 substrate. (Moderate) Concurrent use of tramadol and clozapine should be avoided if possible. Antipsychotics may enhance the seizure risk of tramadol. In addition, in vitro data suggest that clozapine has CYP2D6 inhibitory effects and may increase plasma concentrations of CYP2D6 substrates such as tramadol. Although the full pharmacologic impact of increased tramadol exposure is unknown, close monitoring for serious adverse effects, such as seizures, is advisable. In addition, serotonin syndrome may occur during use of tramadol with medications that impair its metabolism. Serotonin syndrome is characterized by rapid development of hyperthermia, hypertension, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, autonomic instability, mental status changes (e.g., delirium or coma), and in rare cases, death. Because the analgesic activity of tramadol is due to the activity of both the parent drug and the O-desmethyltramadol metabolite (M1), CYP2D6 inhibition by clozapine may alter the analgesic response to tramadol. Additive CNS depression may also be seen with the concomitant use of tramadol and clozapine.
Cenobamate: (Moderate) Monitor for excessive sedation and somnolence during coadministration of cenobamate and clozapine. Concurrent use may result in additive CNS depression. Additionally, monitor for loss of clozapine effectiveness if coadministered with cenobamate. Consideration should be given to increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. When cenobamate is discontinued, reduce the clozapine dose based on clinical response. Cenobamate is a moderate inducer of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine.
Central-acting adrenergic agents: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Ceritinib: (Major) Avoid coadministration of ceritinib with clozapine if possible due to the risk of QT prolongation. If concomitant use is unavoidable, periodically monitor ECGs and electrolytes; an interruption of ceritinib therapy, dose reduction, or discontinuation of therapy may be necessary if QT prolongation occurs. Additionally, consider a clozapine dose reduction and monitor for adverse reactions; if ceritinib is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A4 and has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Ceritinib is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor that causes concentration-dependent QT prolongation. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use.
Cetirizine: (Moderate) Monitor for unusual drowsiness and sedation during coadministration of atypical antipsychotics and cetirizine due to the risk for additive CNS depression.
Cetirizine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Monitor for unusual drowsiness and sedation during coadministration of atypical antipsychotics and cetirizine due to the risk for additive CNS depression.
Cetrorelix: (Moderate) Antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia results in down-regulation of the number of pituitary GnRH receptors and may interfere with the response to any of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs including cetrorelix.
Chlophedianol; Dexbrompheniramine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as dexbrompheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Chlophedianol; Dexchlorpheniramine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as dexchlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Chlorambucil: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Chloramphenicol: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of chloramphenicol and clozapine. Chloramphenicol is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Chlorcyclizine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorcyclizine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Chlordiazepoxide: (Moderate) If concurrent therapy with clozapine and a benzodiazepine is necessary, it is advisable to begin with the lowest possible benzodiazepine dose and closely monitor the patient, particularly at initiation of treatment and following dose increases. Although the combination has been used safely, adverse reactions such as confusion, ataxia, somnolence, delirium, collapse, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and death have occurred rarely in patients receiving clozapine concurrently or following benzodiazepine therapy. Several benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, oxazepam, flurazepam, diazepam, clobazam, flunitrazepam, and lorazepam have been implicated in these reactions. At least one case of sudden death was reported following intravenous administration of lorazepam to a patient receiving clozapine.
Chlordiazepoxide; Amitriptyline: (Moderate) If concurrent therapy with clozapine and a benzodiazepine is necessary, it is advisable to begin with the lowest possible benzodiazepine dose and closely monitor the patient, particularly at initiation of treatment and following dose increases. Although the combination has been used safely, adverse reactions such as confusion, ataxia, somnolence, delirium, collapse, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and death have occurred rarely in patients receiving clozapine concurrently or following benzodiazepine therapy. Several benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, oxazepam, flurazepam, diazepam, clobazam, flunitrazepam, and lorazepam have been implicated in these reactions. At least one case of sudden death was reported following intravenous administration of lorazepam to a patient receiving clozapine.
Chlordiazepoxide; Clidinium: (Moderate) If concurrent therapy with clozapine and a benzodiazepine is necessary, it is advisable to begin with the lowest possible benzodiazepine dose and closely monitor the patient, particularly at initiation of treatment and following dose increases. Although the combination has been used safely, adverse reactions such as confusion, ataxia, somnolence, delirium, collapse, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and death have occurred rarely in patients receiving clozapine concurrently or following benzodiazepine therapy. Several benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, oxazepam, flurazepam, diazepam, clobazam, flunitrazepam, and lorazepam have been implicated in these reactions. At least one case of sudden death was reported following intravenous administration of lorazepam to a patient receiving clozapine.
Chloroquine: (Major) Avoid coadministration of chloroquine with clozapine due to the increased risk of QT prolongation. If use together is necessary, obtain an ECG at baseline to assess initial QT interval and determine frequency of subsequent ECG monitoring, avoid any non-essential QT prolonging drugs, and correct electrolyte imbalances. Chloroquine is associated with an increased risk of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP); the risk of QT prolongation is increased with higher chloroquine doses. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Chlorpheniramine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Chlorpheniramine; Codeine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination. (Moderate) Concomitant use of central nervous system depressants, such as clozapine, can potentiate the effects of codeine, which may lead to respiratory depression, CNS depression, sedation, or hypotensive responses. Combining clozapine with opiate agonists may also lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function, resulting in constipation or urinary retention.
Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Chlorpheniramine; Dihydrocodeine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination. (Moderate) Pain medications such as dihydrocodeine, should be combined cautiously with clozapine due to the potential for additive depressant effects and possible respiratory depression or hypotension. Concurrent use of clozapine and opiates may also lead to reduced intestinal motility or bladder function.
Chlorpheniramine; Hydrocodone: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination. (Moderate) Concomitant use of hydrocodone with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, may lead to hypotension, profound sedation, coma, respiratory depression and death. Prior to concurrent use of hydrocodone in patients taking a CNS depressant, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Hydrocodone should be used in reduced dosages if used concurrently with a CNS depressant; initiate hydrocodone at 20 to 30% of the usual dosage in patients that are concurrently receiving another CNS depressant. Also consider a using a lower dose of the CNS depressant. Monitor patients for sedation and respiratory depression. In addition, combining clozapine with opiate agonists may lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function.
Chlorpheniramine; Ibuprofen; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Chlorpheniramine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Chlorpromazine: (Major) Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. The manufacturer of clozapine recommends caution during concurrent use with medications known to cause QT prolongation. Chlorpromazine, a phenothiazine, is associated with an established risk of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP). In addition, coadministration of clozapine with phenothiazines may increase the risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, extrapyramidal symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or seizures. Although the incidence of tardive dyskinesia from combination antipsychotic therapy has not been established and data are very limited, the risk appears to be increased during use of a conventional and atypical antipsychotic versus use of a conventional antipsychotic alone.
Chlorzoxazone: (Moderate) Additive CNS depression is possible if chlorzoxazone is used concomitantly with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine. Dosage adjustments of one or both medications may be necessary.
Cimetidine: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of cimetidine and clozapine. Cimetidine is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP1A2, the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through inhibition of CYP1A2, 2D6, or 3A4 may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with an inhibitor of CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or CYP1A2 should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Cinacalcet: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with cinacalcet and monitor for adverse reactions. If cinacalcet is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP2D6 and cinacalcet is a moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor.
Ciprofloxacin: (Major) If co-administration of clozapine and a potent inhibitor of CYP1A2 such as ciprofloxacin is necessary, the manufacturer of clozapine recommends using one-third of the usual clozapine dose. If the inhibitor is discontinued, increase the clozapine dose based on clinical response. One study of 7 schizophrenic patients has shown that concurrent therapy with ciprofloxacin (250 mg twice daily) versus placebo resulted in increased clozapine plasma concentrations (29%) and N-desmethylclozapine plasma concentrations (31%). One case study has reported elevated clozapine plasma concentrations (by 80%) during ciprofloxacin coadministration at doses of 500 mg twice daily. In addition, rare cases of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) have been reported with both ciprofloxacin and clozapine. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP3A4, or CYP2D6 may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. If quinolone administration is indicated during clozapine therapy, an alternative fluoroquinolone with minimal inhibitory effects on CYP1A2, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4 should be considered.
Cisapride: (Contraindicated) Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Because of the potential for TdP, use of cisapride with clozapine is contraindicated.
Cisplatin: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Citalopram: (Major) Concurrent use of clozapine and citalopram should be avoided if possible. Citalopram causes dose-dependent QT interval prolongation and clozapine is associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. According to the manufacturer of citalopram, concurrent use of citalopram with other drugs that prolong the QT interval is not recommended. However, if concurrent therapy is considered essential, ECG monitoring is recommended. In addition, citalopram is a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6, and increased plasma concentrations of antipsychotics partially metabolized via CYP2D6, such as clozapine, may occur. A reduced dosage of clozapine should be considered when clozapine is combined with CYP2D6 inhibitors, due to a decrease in clozapine metabolism and a potential for clozapine-related adverse effects, such as orthostatic hypotension, seizures, or adverse cardiac effects.
Clarithromycin: (Major) Due to an increased risk for QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP), caution is advised when administering clarithromycin with clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Administration of clarithromycin has resulted in prolongation of the QT interval and TdP. In addition, clarithromycin is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Clemastine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as clemastine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Clobazam: (Moderate) Clobazam, a benzodiazepine, should be combined cautiously with atypical antipsychotics because of the potential for additive CNS depressant effects. Antipsychotics may also lower the seizure threshold, which might effect the efficacy of clobazam to treat seizures. Clobazam is a weak inducer of CYP3A4 and may reduce the efficacy of atypical antipsychotics that are significantly metabolized by CYP3A4; consult the atypical antipsychotic product labeling for clinical relevance.
Clofarabine: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Clofazimine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of clofazimine and clozapine may increase the risk of QT/QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) in some patients. Consider taking steps to minimize the risk of QT/QTc interval prolongation and TdP, such as avoidance, electrolyte monitoring and repletion, and ECG monitoring, especially in patients with additional risk factors for TdP.
Clonazepam: (Moderate) If concurrent therapy with clozapine and a benzodiazepine is necessary, it is advisable to begin with the lowest possible benzodiazepine dose and closely monitor the patient, particularly at initiation of treatment and following dose increases. Although the combination has been used safely, adverse reactions such as confusion, ataxia, somnolence, delirium, collapse, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and death have occurred rarely in patients receiving clozapine concurrently or following benzodiazepine therapy. Several benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, oxazepam, flurazepam, diazepam, clobazam, flunitrazepam, and lorazepam have been implicated in these reactions. At least one case of sudden death was reported following intravenous administration of lorazepam to a patient receiving clozapine.
Clorazepate: (Moderate) If concurrent therapy with clozapine and a benzodiazepine is necessary, it is advisable to begin with the lowest possible benzodiazepine dose and closely monitor the patient, particularly at initiation of treatment and following dose increases. Although the combination has been used safely, adverse reactions such as confusion, ataxia, somnolence, delirium, collapse, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and death have occurred rarely in patients receiving clozapine concurrently or following benzodiazepine therapy. Several benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, oxazepam, flurazepam, diazepam, clobazam, flunitrazepam, and lorazepam have been implicated in these reactions. At least one case of sudden death was reported following intravenous administration of lorazepam to a patient receiving clozapine.
Cobicistat: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of cobicistat and clozapine. Cobicistat is an inhibitor of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, two of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Codeine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of central nervous system depressants, such as clozapine, can potentiate the effects of codeine, which may lead to respiratory depression, CNS depression, sedation, or hypotensive responses. Combining clozapine with opiate agonists may also lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function, resulting in constipation or urinary retention.
Codeine; Guaifenesin: (Moderate) Concomitant use of central nervous system depressants, such as clozapine, can potentiate the effects of codeine, which may lead to respiratory depression, CNS depression, sedation, or hypotensive responses. Combining clozapine with opiate agonists may also lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function, resulting in constipation or urinary retention.
Codeine; Guaifenesin; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of central nervous system depressants, such as clozapine, can potentiate the effects of codeine, which may lead to respiratory depression, CNS depression, sedation, or hypotensive responses. Combining clozapine with opiate agonists may also lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function, resulting in constipation or urinary retention.
Codeine; Phenylephrine; Promethazine: (Major) Coadministration of promethazine and clozapine may increase the risk of QT prolongation and other adverse effects. Promethazine, a phenothiazine, is associated with a possible risk for QT prolongation. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Promethazine is an inhibitor of CYP2D6, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine; elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias or other adverse effects. Coadministration may also increase the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, extrapyramidal symptoms, and seizures. Monitor for adverse reactions if use together is not avoidable. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. (Moderate) Concomitant use of central nervous system depressants, such as clozapine, can potentiate the effects of codeine, which may lead to respiratory depression, CNS depression, sedation, or hypotensive responses. Combining clozapine with opiate agonists may also lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function, resulting in constipation or urinary retention.
Codeine; Promethazine: (Major) Coadministration of promethazine and clozapine may increase the risk of QT prolongation and other adverse effects. Promethazine, a phenothiazine, is associated with a possible risk for QT prolongation. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Promethazine is an inhibitor of CYP2D6, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine; elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias or other adverse effects. Coadministration may also increase the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, extrapyramidal symptoms, and seizures. Monitor for adverse reactions if use together is not avoidable. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. (Moderate) Concomitant use of central nervous system depressants, such as clozapine, can potentiate the effects of codeine, which may lead to respiratory depression, CNS depression, sedation, or hypotensive responses. Combining clozapine with opiate agonists may also lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function, resulting in constipation or urinary retention.
COMT inhibitors: (Moderate) Monitor for movement disorders, unusual changes in moods or behavior, and diminished effectiveness of the atypical antipsychotic or COMT inhibitor during coadministration. Due to mutually opposing effects on dopamine, atypical antipsychotics and COMT inhibitors may interfere with the effectiveness of each other. In general, atypical antipsychotics are less likely to interfere with COMT inhibitors and other Parkinson's treatments than traditional antipsychotics. The Beers Criteria recognize quetiapine and clozapine as exceptions to the general recommendation to avoid all antipsychotics in older adults with Parkinson's disease.
Conivaptan: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with conivaptan and monitor for adverse reactions. If conivaptan is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A. Conivaptan is a moderate CYP3A inhibitor.
Crizotinib: (Major) Avoid coadministration of crizotinib with clozapine due to the risk of QT prolongation; exposure to clozapine may also increase. If concomitant use is unavoidable, consider a clozapine dose reduction. Monitor ECGs for QT prolongation and monitor electrolytes; also monitor for clozapine-related adverse reactions. An interruption of therapy, dose reduction, or discontinuation of therapy may be necessary for crizotinib if QT prolongation occurs. If crizotinib is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. Crizotinib is a moderate CYP3A inhibitor that has been associated with concentration-dependent QT prolongation. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A4, and has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Cyclobenzaprine: (Moderate) Additive anticholinergic effects may be seen when clozapine is used concomitantly with other drugs with antimuscarinic activity such as cyclobenzaprine. Antimuscarinic effects may be seen not only on GI smooth muscle, but also on bladder function, the eye, and temperature regulation. Particular attention should be paid to GI problems because of the possible development of paralytic ileus. Additive sedation may also occur.
Cyproheptadine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as cyproheptadine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Dacomitinib: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with dacomitinib and monitor for adverse reactions. If dacomitinib is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is a CYP2D6 substrate; dacomitinib is a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor.
Dalfopristin; Quinupristin: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with dalfopristin; quinupristin and monitor for adverse reactions. If dalfopristin; quinupristin is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A4. Dalfopristin; quinupristin is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor.
Danazol: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of danazol and clozapine. Danazol is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Dantrolene: (Moderate) Simultaneous use of skeletal muscle relaxants and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, can increase CNS depression.
Dapagliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and SGLT2 inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Dapagliflozin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and metformin use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and SGLT2 inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Dapagliflozin; Saxagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and SGLT2 inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Darifenacin: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with darifenacin and monitor for adverse reactions including anticholinergic effects. If darifenacin is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP2D6. Darifenacin is a moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor. Additive anticholinergic effects may be seen when drugs with antimuscarinic properties like darifenacin are used concomitantly with other drugs with moderate to significant anticholinergic effects including clozapine.
Darunavir: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of darunavir and clozapine. Darunavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4 may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Darunavir; Cobicistat: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of cobicistat and clozapine. Cobicistat is an inhibitor of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, two of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of darunavir and clozapine. Darunavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4 may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Darunavir; Cobicistat; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir alafenamide: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of cobicistat and clozapine. Cobicistat is an inhibitor of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, two of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of darunavir and clozapine. Darunavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4 may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Dasabuvir; Ombitasvir; Paritaprevir; Ritonavir: (Major) Consider a clozapine dose adjustment if coadministered with ritonavir and monitor for efficacy and adverse reactions. If ritonavir is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and adverse effects and adjust dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase or decrease in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP1A2. Ritonavir is a strong CYP3A4 and weak CYP2D6 inhibitor and a moderate inducer of CYP1A2.
Dasatinib: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist. Additionally, in vitro studies have shown that dasatinib has the potential to prolong cardiac ventricular repolarization (prolong QT interval). Clozapine therapy may lead to S-T segment depression and flattening or inversion of T waves. In theory, concurrent use of dasatinib and clozapine could produce clinically significant prolongation of the QTc interval.
Deferiprone: (Major) Avoid concomitant use of deferiprone with other drugs known to be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis, such as clozapine; however, if this is not possible, closely monitor the absolute neutrophil count and interrupt deferiprone therapy if neutropenia develops.
Degarelix: (Moderate) Consider whether the benefits of androgen deprivation therapy outweigh the potential risks in patients receiving clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Androgen deprivation therapy (i.e., degarelix) may prolong the QT/QTc interval. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Delavirdine: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of delavirdine and clozapine. Delavirdine is an inhibitor of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, two of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Denileukin Diftitox: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Desflurane: (Major) Concomitant use of clozapine and halogenated anesthetics increases the risk of QT/QTc prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), excessive sedation and respiratory depression, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Avoid concomitant use if possible, especially in patients with additional risk factors for these adverse effects. Consider taking steps to minimize the risk for QT/QTc interval prolongation and TdP, such as electrolyte monitoring and repletion and ECG monitoring, if concomitant use is necessary and monitor for signs and symptoms of NMS and prolonged sedation and respiratory depression.
Deutetrabenazine: (Major) Use clozapine with caution in combination with deutetrabenazine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Deutetrabenazine may prolong the QT interval, but the degree of QT prolongation is not clinically significant when deutetrabenazine is administered within the recommended dosage range. Monitor for signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), restlessness, and agitation. If NMS is diagnosed, immediately discontinue deutetrabenazine, and provide intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring. Recurrence of NMS has been reported with resumption of drug therapy. If akathisia or parkinsonism develops during treatment, the deutetrabenazine dose should be reduced; discontinuation may be required. Deutetrabenazine is a reversible, dopamine depleting drug and clozapine is a dopamine antagonist. Additionally, monitor for excessive sedation and somnolence during coadministration of clozapine and deutetrabenazine. Concurrent use may result in additive CNS depression.
Dexamethasone: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of dexamethasone and clozapine. Dexamethasone is an inducer of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a weak to moderate CYP3A4 inducer should be monitored for loss of effectiveness. Consideration should be given to increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. Concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inducers is not recommended. Topical corticosteroids are not likely to interact.
Dexbrompheniramine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as dexbrompheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Dexbrompheniramine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as dexbrompheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Dexchlorpheniramine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as dexchlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Dexchlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as dexchlorpheniramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Dextromethorphan; Bupropion: (Major) Monitor for evidence of clozapine-related adverse reactions and consider a clozapine dose reduction if necessary when coadministered with bupropion. If bupropion is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine affect and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. Concurrent use may result in increased clozapine exposure due to inhibition of CYP2D6 metabolism by bupropion. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. Furthermore, bupropion is associated with a dose-related risk of seizures; this risk may be increased by antipsychotics.
Dextromethorphan; Diphenhydramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as diphenhydramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Dextromethorphan; Quinidine: (Contraindicated) Quinidine administration is associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes (TdP). Quinidine inhibits CYP2D6 and has QT-prolonging actions; quinidine is contraindicated with other drugs that prolong the QT interval and are metabolized by CYP2D6 as the effects on the QT interval may be increased during concurrent use of these agents. Drugs that prolong the QT and are substrates for CYP2D6 that are contraindicated with quinidine include clozapine.
Diazepam: (Moderate) If concurrent therapy with clozapine and a benzodiazepine is necessary, it is advisable to begin with the lowest possible benzodiazepine dose and closely monitor the patient, particularly at initiation of treatment and following dose increases. Although the combination has been used safely, adverse reactions such as confusion, ataxia, somnolence, delirium, collapse, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and death have occurred rarely in patients receiving clozapine concurrently or following benzodiazepine therapy. Several benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, oxazepam, flurazepam, diazepam, clobazam, flunitrazepam, and lorazepam have been implicated in these reactions. At least one case of sudden death was reported following intravenous administration of lorazepam to a patient receiving clozapine.
Diazoxide: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Difelikefalin: (Moderate) Monitor for dizziness, somnolence, mental status changes, and gait disturbances if concomitant use of difelikefalin with CNS depressants is necessary. Concomitant use may increase the risk for these adverse reactions.
Digoxin: (Moderate) Because clozapine is highly protein bound, other highly protein bound medications such as digoxin can displace clozapine from its binding sites, predominantly alpha1-acid glycoprotein. Clozapine, in turn, can increase the serum concentrations of digoxin.
Diltiazem: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of diltiazem and clozapine. Diltiazem is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Dimenhydrinate: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Dinutuximab: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Diphenhydramine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as diphenhydramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Diphenhydramine; Ibuprofen: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as diphenhydramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Diphenhydramine; Naproxen: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as diphenhydramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Diphenhydramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as diphenhydramine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Diphenoxylate; Atropine: (Moderate) Diphenoxylate decreases GI motility. Other drugs that also decrease GI motility, such as clozapine, may produce additive effects with diphenoxylate if used concomitantly.
Disopyramide: (Major) Clozapine should be used cautiously and with close monitoring with disopyramide. Disopyramide administration is associated with QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP). Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death. The manufacturer of clozapine recommends caution during concurrent use with medications known to cause QT prolongation. Additive anticholinergic effects are also possible; both drugs exhibit significant anticholinergic activity.
Disulfiram: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of disulfiram and clozapine. Disulfiram is an inhibitor of CYP1A2, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. When initiating clozapine or adding a mild or moderate CYP1A2 inhibitor to clozapine treatment, monitor for adverse reactions and consider reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Dofetilide: (Major) Coadministration of dofetilide and clozapine is not recommended as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Dofetilide, a Class III antiarrhythmic agent, is associated with a well-established risk of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP). Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Dolasetron: (Moderate) Administer dolasetron with caution in combination with clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Dolasetron has been associated with a dose-dependent prolongation in the QT, PR, and QRS intervals on an electrocardiogram.
Dolutegravir; Rilpivirine: (Moderate) Caution is advised when administering rilpivirine with clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Supratherapeutic doses of rilpivirine (75 to 300 mg/day) have caused QT prolongation. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Donepezil: (Moderate) Consider the use of an antipsychotic with less prominent anticholinergic effects than clozapine in patients receiving donepezil as concurrent use may decrease donepezil efficacy; additive QT prolongation may also occur. Clozapine exhibits considerable anticholinergic activity, and is more likely than other atypical antipsychotics to diminish the therapeutic action of donepezil. Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Case reports indicate that QT prolongation and TdP can occur during donepezil therapy.
Donepezil; Memantine: (Moderate) Consider the use of an antipsychotic with less prominent anticholinergic effects than clozapine in patients receiving donepezil as concurrent use may decrease donepezil efficacy; additive QT prolongation may also occur. Clozapine exhibits considerable anticholinergic activity, and is more likely than other atypical antipsychotics to diminish the therapeutic action of donepezil. Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Case reports indicate that QT prolongation and TdP can occur during donepezil therapy.
Dorzolamide; Timolol: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Doxazosin: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Doxylamine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as doxylamine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Doxylamine; Pyridoxine: (Moderate) Clozapine exhibits clinically significant anticholinergic effects and sedation that may be additive with other medications that may cause anticholinergic effects and sedation, including antihistamines such as doxylamine. Patients should be informed to read non-prescription cough and cold product labels carefully for additional interacting antihistamines and to avoid tasks requiring mental alertness until they are aware of the effects of the combination.
Dronabinol: (Moderate) Drugs that can cause CNS depression such as dronabinol, if used concomitantly with atypical antipsychotics, can increase both the frequency and the intensity of adverse effects such as drowsiness, sedation, and dizziness.
Dronedarone: (Contraindicated) Concomitant use of dronedarone and clozapine is contraindicated. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death and dronedarone is associated with dose-related increases in the QTc interval. Although there are no studies examining the effects of dronedarone in patients receiving other QT prolonging drugs, coadministration of such drugs may result in additive QT prolongation; concomitant use is contraindicated. In addition, dronedarone is an inhibitor of CYP2D6 and CYP3A, two of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Coadministration of dronedarone and clozapine may result in elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine, which may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer of clozapine, concomitant use of clozapine and substrates or inhibitors of CYP2D6 may require lower doses of either drug.
Droperidol: (Major) Droperidol should be administered with extreme caution to patients receiving other agents that may prolong the QT interval. Droperidol administration is associated with an established risk for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes (TdP). Any drug known to have potential to prolong the QT interval should not be coadministered with droperidol. Drugs with a possible risk for QT prolongation and TdP that should be used cautiously with droperidol include clozapine.
Dulaglutide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and incretin mimetic use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Duloxetine: (Moderate) Duloxetine is an inhibitor of CYP2D6 and CYP1A2, two of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with an inhibitor of CYP1A2, CYP3A4, or CYP2D6 should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Duvelisib: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with duvelisib and monitor for adverse reactions. If duvelisib is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A4 and duvelisib is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor.
Efavirenz: (Moderate) Consider alternatives to efavirenz when coadministering with clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation; decreased clozapine exposure may also occur. Monitor for loss of clozapine efficacy and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. QTc prolongation has been observed with the use of efavirenz. Clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death. In addition, efavirenz is an and inducer of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine.
Efavirenz; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: (Moderate) Consider alternatives to efavirenz when coadministering with clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation; decreased clozapine exposure may also occur. Monitor for loss of clozapine efficacy and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. QTc prolongation has been observed with the use of efavirenz. Clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death. In addition, efavirenz is an and inducer of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine.
Efavirenz; Lamivudine; Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: (Moderate) Consider alternatives to efavirenz when coadministering with clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation; decreased clozapine exposure may also occur. Monitor for loss of clozapine efficacy and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. QTc prolongation has been observed with the use of efavirenz. Clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death. In addition, efavirenz is an and inducer of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine.
Elagolix: (Moderate) Monitor for loss of clozapine effectiveness if coadministered with elagolix. Consideration should be given to increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. When elagolix is discontinued, reduce the clozapine dose based on clinical response. Elagolix is a weak to moderate inducer of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine.
Elagolix; Estradiol; Norethindrone acetate: (Moderate) Monitor for loss of clozapine effectiveness if coadministered with elagolix. Consideration should be given to increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. When elagolix is discontinued, reduce the clozapine dose based on clinical response. Elagolix is a weak to moderate inducer of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine.
Elbasvir; Grazoprevir: (Moderate) Administering clozapine with grazoprevir may result in elevated clozapine plasma concentrations. Clozapine is a substrate of CYP3A4 and grazoprevir is a weak CYP3A inhibitor. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with an inhibitor of CYP3A4 should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Elexacaftor; tezacaftor; ivacaftor: (Moderate) Use caution when administering ivacaftor and clozapine concurrently. Ivacaftor is an inhibitor of CYP3A and clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with an inhibitor of CYP3A4 should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Eliglustat: (Major) Coadministration of clozapine and eliglustat may result in increased plasma concentrations of clozapine and an increased risk of QT prolongation. If coadministration is necessary, use great caution and monitor closely. Consider reducing the dosage of clozapine and titrating to clinical effect. In addition, if eliglustat is discontinued while the patient is taking clozapine, monitor for a lack of antipsychotic efficacy, and increase the clozapine dose as clinically necessary. Clozapine is a CYP2D6 substrate associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Eliglustat is a CYP2D6 inhibitor that is predicted to cause PR, QRS, and/or QT prolongation at significantly elevated plasma concentrations.
Elvitegravir; Cobicistat; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir Alafenamide: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of cobicistat and clozapine. Cobicistat is an inhibitor of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, two of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Elvitegravir; Cobicistat; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of cobicistat and clozapine. Cobicistat is an inhibitor of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, two of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitor should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Empagliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and SGLT2 inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Empagliflozin; Linagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and SGLT2 inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Empagliflozin; Linagliptin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and metformin use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and SGLT2 inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Empagliflozin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and metformin use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and SGLT2 inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Emtricitabine; Rilpivirine; Tenofovir alafenamide: (Moderate) Caution is advised when administering rilpivirine with clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Supratherapeutic doses of rilpivirine (75 to 300 mg/day) have caused QT prolongation. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Emtricitabine; Rilpivirine; Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: (Moderate) Caution is advised when administering rilpivirine with clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Supratherapeutic doses of rilpivirine (75 to 300 mg/day) have caused QT prolongation. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Encainide: (Moderate) The manufacturer of clozapine advises that concomitant use of clozapine, a CYP2D6 substrate, with other CYP2D6 substrates, such as encainide, may require lower doses of either drug. The use of these medications together may inhibit the activity of CYP2D6 thereby increasing the risk of QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias, or other adverse effects.
Encorafenib: (Major) Avoid coadministration of encorafenib and clozapine due to QT prolongation. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor ECGs for QT prolongation and monitor electrolytes; correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia prior to treatment. Encorafenib is associated with dose-dependent prolongation of the QT interval. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Entacapone: (Moderate) Monitor for movement disorders, unusual changes in moods or behavior, and diminished effectiveness of the atypical antipsychotic or COMT inhibitor during coadministration. Due to mutually opposing effects on dopamine, atypical antipsychotics and COMT inhibitors may interfere with the effectiveness of each other. In general, atypical antipsychotics are less likely to interfere with COMT inhibitors and other Parkinson's treatments than traditional antipsychotics. The Beers Criteria recognize quetiapine and clozapine as exceptions to the general recommendation to avoid all antipsychotics in older adults with Parkinson's disease.
Entrectinib: (Major) Avoid coadministration of entrectinib with clozapine due to the risk of QT prolongation. Entrectinib has been associated with QT prolongation. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Enzalutamide: (Major) Coadministration of clozapine with enzalutamide is not recommended due to decreased plasma concentrations of clozapine. If concomitant use is unavoidable, the patient should be monitored for loss of efficacy; consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. When enzalutamide is discontinued, reduce the clozapine dose based on clinical response. Clozapine is a CYP3A4 substrate and enzalutamide is a strong CYP3A4 inducer.
Epinephrine: (Moderate) Clozapine may induce significant alpha-adrenergic blockade during clozapine overdose, leading to profound hypotension. Epinephrine should generally not be used to treat clozapine-induced hypotension due to the unopposed beta-activity, which potentially could worsen the hypotension.
Eplerenone: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Epoprostenol: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Ergotamine; Caffeine: (Major) Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14 percent during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption should be minimized during clozapine treatment.
Eribulin: (Major) Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. The manufacturer of clozapine recommends caution during concurrent use with medications known to cause QT prolongation. Drugs with a possible risk for QT prolongation and TdP that should be used cautiously with clozapine include eribulin. ECG monitoring is recommended; closely monitor the patient for QT interval prolongation.
Ertugliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and SGLT2 inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Ertugliflozin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and metformin use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and SGLT2 inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Ertugliflozin; Sitagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and SGLT2 inhibitor use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Erythromycin: (Major) Concurrent use of erythromycin and clozapine should be avoided if possible. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death and erythromycin has an established risk of QT prolongation and TdP. A case report has documented increased serum clozapine concentrations and the occurrence of a seizure when erythromycin was added to a stable dose of clozapine. Erythromycin is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with an inhibitor of CYP3A4 should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Escitalopram: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with escitalopram and monitor for adverse reactions, inlcuding QT prolongation. If escitalopram is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect, and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine and increased risk of QT prolongation may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP2D6 and has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Escitalopram is a moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor that has been associated with a risk of QT prolongation and TdP.
Esketamine: (Major) Closely monitor patients receiving esketamine and clozapine for sedation and other CNS depressant effects. Instruct patients who receive a dose of esketamine not to drive or engage in other activities requiring alertness until the next day after a restful sleep.
Eslicarbazepine: (Moderate) Eslicarbazepine is an inducer of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes reponsible for the metabolism of clozapine. According to the manufacturer of clozapine, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a weak to moderate CYP3A4 inducer should be monitored for loss of effectiveness. Consideration should be given to increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inducer is discontinued, monitor for adverse reactions, and consider reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. In addition, clozapine can lower the seizure threshold, potentially reducing the effectiveness of eslicarbazepine in treating seizures. Monitor for increased seizure activity during concurrent use.
Esmolol: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Estazolam: (Moderate) If concurrent therapy with clozapine and a benzodiazepine is necessary, it is advisable to begin with the lowest possible benzodiazepine dose and closely monitor the patient, particularly at initiation of treatment and following dose increases. Although the combination has been used safely, adverse reactions such as confusion, ataxia, somnolence, delirium, collapse, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and death have occurred rarely in patients receiving clozapine concurrently or following benzodiazepine therapy. Several benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, oxazepam, flurazepam, diazepam, clobazam, flunitrazepam, and lorazepam have been implicated in these reactions. At least one case of sudden death was reported following intravenous administration of lorazepam to a patient receiving clozapine.
Estramustine: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Eszopiclone: (Moderate) A reduction in the dose of eszopiclone should be considered during co-administration of other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, to minimize additive sedative effects. In addition, the risk of next-day psychomotor impairment is increased during co-administration of eszopiclone and other CNS depressants, which may decrease the ability to perform tasks requiring full mental alertness such as driving. Antipsychotics with a higher incidence of sedation, such as olanzapine, clozapine, quetiapine, lurasidone, chlorpromazine, and thioridazine, are more likely to interact with eszopiclone. In one evaluation, concurrent use of eszopiclone and olanzapine reduced psychomotor function as measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST).
Ethanol: (Major) Advise patients to avoid alcohol consumption while taking CNS depressants. Alcohol consumption may result in additive CNS depression.
Ethotoin: (Moderate) Ethotoin may increase the metabolism of clozapine through CYP1A2 and/or CYP3A4 induction, leading to increased clearance of clozapine. When initiating clozapine or adding a weak to moderate CYP1A2 or CYP3A4 inducer to pre-existing clozapine treatment, monitor for decreased effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inducer is discontinued, monitor for adverse reactions and consider reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. In addition, clozapine lowers the seizure threshold and may reduce the effectiveness of ethotoin in treating seizures. Monitor for increased seizure activity and consider alternative treatment or make dose adjustments accordingly.
Etomidate: (Moderate) Clozapine can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants such as the general anesthetics. Caution should be exercised with simultaneous use of these agents due to potential excessive CNS effects.
Etravirine: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of etravirine and clozapine. Etravirine is an inducer of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with a weak to moderate CYP3A4 inducer should be monitored for loss of effectiveness. Consideration should be given to increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inducer is discontinued, monitor for adverse reactions, and consider reducing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Everolimus: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with everolimus and monitor for adverse reactions. If everolimus is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Everolimus is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and a CYP2D6 inhibitor.
Exenatide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and incretin mimetic use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Fedratinib: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with fedratinib and monitor for adverse reactions. If fedratinib is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Fedratinib is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6.
Fenfluramine: (Moderate) Monitor for excessive sedation and somnolence during coadministration of fenfluramine and clozapine. Concurrent use may result in additive CNS depression.
Fenoldopam: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Fentanyl: (Moderate) Concomitant use of fentanyl with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, can potentiate the effects of fentanyl on respiration, CNS depression, sedation, and hypotension. Concurrent use of clozapine and opiates may also lead to reduced intestinal motility or bladder function.
Fesoterodine: (Moderate) Coadministration of fesoterodine and other drugs with moderate to significant anticholinergic effects such as clozapine may increase the frequency and/or severity of anticholinergic effects such as blurred vision, constipation, xerostomia, and urinary retention.
Fingolimod: (Moderate) Exercise caution when administering fingolimod concomitantly with clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Fingolimod initiation results in decreased heart rate and may prolong the QT interval. Fingolimod has not been studied in patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval, but drugs that prolong the QT interval have been associated with cases of TdP in patients with bradycardia. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Flecainide: (Major) Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. The manufacturer of clozapine recommends caution during concurrent use with medications known to cause QT prolongation. Flecainide should be used cautiously and with close monitoring with clozapine. Flecainide is a Class IC antiarrhythmic associated with a possible risk for QT prolongation and/or torsades de pointes (TdP); flecainide increases the QT interval, but largely due to prolongation of the QRS interval. Although causality for TdP has not been established for flecainide, patients receiving concurrent drugs which have the potential for QT prolongation may have an increased risk of developing proarrhythmias.
Fluconazole: (Contraindicated) Due to the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes (TdP), coadministration of fluconazole with drugs that both prolong the QT interval and are CYP3A4 substrates, like clozapine, is contraindicated. Fluconazole has been associated with QT prolongation and rare cases of TdP. Additonally, fluconazole is an inhibitor of CYP3A4. Coadministration may result in elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine, causing an increased risk for adverse events such as QT prolongation.
Flucytosine: (Moderate) Because of the ability of flucytosine to cause significant hematologic toxicity, it should be used cautiously with all bone marrow depressants, including clozapine.
Fluoxetine: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with fluoxetine and monitor for adverse reactions including QT prolongation. If fluoxetine is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. Modest (less than 2-fold) elevations in concentrations of clozapine and its metabolites have been reported during concurrent use of fluoxetine. Clozapine is a CYP2D6 substrate that has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Fluoxetine is a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor; QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) have been reported in patients treated with fluoxetine.
Fluphenazine: (Moderate) Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. The manufacturer of clozapine recommends caution during concurrent use with medications known to cause QT prolongation. Fluphenazine, a phenothiazine, is associated with a possible risk for QT prolongation. In addition, coadministration of clozapine with phenothiazines may increase the risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, extrapyramidal symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or seizures. The likelihood of these pharmacodynamic interactions varies based upon the individual properties of the co-administered antipsychotic agent.
Flurazepam: (Moderate) If concurrent therapy with clozapine and a benzodiazepine is necessary, it is advisable to begin with the lowest possible benzodiazepine dose and closely monitor the patient, particularly at initiation of treatment and following dose increases. Although the combination has been used safely, adverse reactions such as confusion, ataxia, somnolence, delirium, collapse, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and death have occurred rarely in patients receiving clozapine concurrently or following benzodiazepine therapy. Several benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, oxazepam, flurazepam, diazepam, clobazam, flunitrazepam, and lorazepam have been implicated in these reactions. At least one case of sudden death was reported following intravenous administration of lorazepam to a patient receiving clozapine.
Fluvoxamine: (Major) There may be an increased risk for QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) during concurrent use of fluvoxamine and clozapine. QT prolongation and TdP have been reported during postmarketing use of fluvoxamine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death, especially at high dosages. In addition, if coadministration of clozapine and a potent inhibitor of CYP1A2 such as fluvoxamine is necessary, the manufacturer of clozapine recommends using one-third of the usual clozapine dose. If the inhibitor is discontinued, increase the clozapine dose based on clinical response. In one study, the mean concentrations of clozapine and its metabolites were increased about 3-fold compared to baseline values. Up to a 10-fold increase in plasma concentrations of clozapine and its metabolites have been noted in other evaluations. Fluvoxamine is also a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and a mild CYP2D6 inhibitor. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP3A4, or CYP2D6 may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects.
Food: (Major) Advise patients to avoid cannabis use during clozapine treatment due to decreased exposure of clozapine which may alter its efficacy. Concomitant use may also increase the risk for additive CNS depression and other adverse reactions. Cannabis use induces CYP1A2 and clozapine is a CYP1A2 substrate. The induction potential of cannabis is greatest with chronic inhalation. Other routes of administration or sporadic use may have less of an effect.
Fosamprenavir: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with fosamprenavir and monitor for adverse reactions. If fosamprenavir is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A and fosamprenavir is a moderate CYP3A inhibitor.
Foscarnet: (Major) When possible, avoid concurrent use of foscarnet with other drugs known to prolong the QT interval, such as clozapine. Foscarnet has been associated with postmarketing reports of both QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP). Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death. If these drugs are administered together, obtain an electrocardiogram and electrolyte concentrations before and periodically during treatment.
Fosphenytoin: (Major) Coadministration of clozapine, a CYP3A4 substrate, with a potent inducer of CYP3A4, such as fosphenytoin converted to phenytoin, is not recommended. If coadministration is necessary, monitor for decreased effectiveness of clozapine and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inducer is discontinued, reduce the clozapine dose based on clinical response. Fosphenytoin may also increase the metabolism of clozapine through induction of CYP1A2. Close monitoring is recommended when clozapine is administered to patients with a seizure disorder because clozapine lowers the seizure threshold. The effectiveness of fosphenytoin in treating seizures may be reduced. Dosage adjustments may be necessary, and close monitoring is warranted.
Fostamatinib: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with fostamatinib and monitor for adverse reactions. If fostamatinib is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A4. Fostamatinib is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor.
Fostemsavir: (Moderate) Use clozapine and fostemsavir together with caution due to the potential for QT prolongation. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Supratherapeutic doses of fostemsavir (2,400 mg twice daily, 4 times the recommended daily dose) have been shown to cause QT prolongation. Fostemsavir causes dose-dependent QT prolongation.
Gabapentin: (Major) Initiate gabapentin at the lowest recommended dose and monitor patients for symptoms of sedation and somnolence during coadministration of gabapentin and clozapine. Concomitant use of gabapentin with clozapine may cause additive CNS depression. Educate patients about the risks and symptoms of excessive CNS depression.
Galantamine: (Moderate) The anticholinergic activity of clozapine may interfere with the action of cholinergic medications such as galantamine. Atypical antipsychotics with significant anticholinergic effects, such clozapine, are more likely than other atypical antipsychotics to diminish the therapeutic action of galantamine in treating dementia. Use of an alternative antipsychotic should be considered. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and exerts its therapeutic effect by improving the availability of acetylcholine. Consider the use of an antipsychotic with less prominent anticholinergic effects.
Ganirelix: (Moderate) Antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia results in down-regulation of the number of pituitary GnRH receptors and may interfere with the response to ganirelix, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog.
Gemifloxacin: (Moderate) Gemifloxacin should be used cautiously with clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Gemifloxacin may also prolong the QT interval in some patients. The maximal change in the QTc interval occurs approximately 5 to 10 hours following oral administration of gemifloxacin. The likelihood of QTc prolongation may increase with increasing dose of the drug; therefore, the recommended dose should not be exceeded especially in patients with renal or hepatic impairment where the Cmax and AUC are slightly higher.
Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin: (Moderate) Use gemtuzumab ozogamicin and clozapine together with caution due to the potential for additive QT interval prolongation and risk of torsade de pointes (TdP). If these agents are used together, obtain an ECG and serum electrolytes prior to the start of gemtuzumab and as needed during treatment. Although QT interval prolongation has not been reported with gemtuzumab, it has been reported with other drugs that contain calicheamicin. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Gilteritinib: (Moderate) Use caution and monitor for evidence of QT prolongation if concurrent use of gilteritinib and clozapine is necessary. Gilteritinib has been associated with QT prolongation. Clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Coadministration has the potential for additive QT prolongation.
Glasdegib: (Major) Avoid coadministration of glasdegib with clozapine due to the potential for additive QT prolongation. If coadministration cannot be avoided, monitor patients for increased risk of QT prolongation with increased frequency of ECG monitoring. Glasdegib therapy may result in QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias including ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Glimepiride; Rosiglitazone: (Moderate) Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus and cause metabolic changes such as hyperglycemia. Monitor patients on antidiabetic agents for worsening glycemic control. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Aggravation of diabetes mellitus has been reported. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Glipizide; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and metformin use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Glyburide; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and metformin use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Goserelin: (Moderate) Consider whether the benefits of androgen deprivation therapy (i.e., goserelin) outweigh the potential risks of QT prolongation in patients receiving clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Androgen deprivation therapy may prolong the QT/QTc interval. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Granisetron: (Moderate) Use clozapine with caution in combination with granisteron. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Granisetron has been associated with QT prolongation.
Green Tea: (Major) Some, but not all, green tea products contain caffeine. Caffeine may inhibit clozapine metabolism via CYP1A2. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through inhibition of CYP1A2 may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias or other adverse effects. Clozapine clearance has been decreased by roughly 14% during coadministration of caffeine, and a documented increase in clozapine serum concentrations has occurred in selected patients. In addition, a single case report associates the appearance of psychiatric symptoms with caffeine ingestion in one patient taking clozapine. Until more data are available, caffeine consumption including consumption from beverages or food should be minimized during clozapine treatment.
Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone: (Moderate) Concomitant use of hydrocodone with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, may lead to hypotension, profound sedation, coma, respiratory depression and death. Prior to concurrent use of hydrocodone in patients taking a CNS depressant, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Hydrocodone should be used in reduced dosages if used concurrently with a CNS depressant; initiate hydrocodone at 20 to 30% of the usual dosage in patients that are concurrently receiving another CNS depressant. Also consider a using a lower dose of the CNS depressant. Monitor patients for sedation and respiratory depression. In addition, combining clozapine with opiate agonists may lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function.
Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of hydrocodone with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, may lead to hypotension, profound sedation, coma, respiratory depression and death. Prior to concurrent use of hydrocodone in patients taking a CNS depressant, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Hydrocodone should be used in reduced dosages if used concurrently with a CNS depressant; initiate hydrocodone at 20 to 30% of the usual dosage in patients that are concurrently receiving another CNS depressant. Also consider a using a lower dose of the CNS depressant. Monitor patients for sedation and respiratory depression. In addition, combining clozapine with opiate agonists may lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function.
Guanidine: (Minor) Bone marrow suppression is associated with guanidine therapy. Avoid concomitant use of other drugs known to cause bone marrow suppression such as clozapine.
Halogenated Anesthetics: (Major) Concomitant use of clozapine and halogenated anesthetics increases the risk of QT/QTc prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), excessive sedation and respiratory depression, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Avoid concomitant use if possible, especially in patients with additional risk factors for these adverse effects. Consider taking steps to minimize the risk for QT/QTc interval prolongation and TdP, such as electrolyte monitoring and repletion and ECG monitoring, if concomitant use is necessary and monitor for signs and symptoms of NMS and prolonged sedation and respiratory depression.
Haloperidol: (Moderate) Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Haloperidol is also associated with a possible risk for QT prolongation and TdP. In addition, coadministration may increase the risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, extrapyramidal symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or seizures. The likelihood of these pharmacodynamic interactions varies based upon the individual properties of the co-administered antipsychotic agent. Although the incidence of tardive dyskinesia from combination antipsychotic therapy has not been established and data are very limited, the risk appears to be increased during use of a conventional and atypical antipsychotic versus use of a conventional antipsychotic alone. Clozapine is metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6. Antipsychotic drugs known to inhibit the activity of CYP2D6 include haloperidol. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP3A4, or CYP2D6 may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with an inhibitor of CYP2D6 should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Histrelin: (Moderate) Consider whether the benefits of androgen deprivation therapy (i.e., histrelin) outweigh the potential risks of QT prolongation in patients receiving clozapine as concurrent use may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Androgen deprivation therapy may prolong the QT/QTc interval. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Homatropine; Hydrocodone: (Moderate) Concomitant use of hydrocodone with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, may lead to hypotension, profound sedation, coma, respiratory depression and death. Prior to concurrent use of hydrocodone in patients taking a CNS depressant, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Hydrocodone should be used in reduced dosages if used concurrently with a CNS depressant; initiate hydrocodone at 20 to 30% of the usual dosage in patients that are concurrently receiving another CNS depressant. Also consider a using a lower dose of the CNS depressant. Monitor patients for sedation and respiratory depression. In addition, combining clozapine with opiate agonists may lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function.
Hydralazine: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Hydralazine; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Hydralazine; Isosorbide Dinitrate, ISDN: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Hydrocodone: (Moderate) Concomitant use of hydrocodone with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, may lead to hypotension, profound sedation, coma, respiratory depression and death. Prior to concurrent use of hydrocodone in patients taking a CNS depressant, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Hydrocodone should be used in reduced dosages if used concurrently with a CNS depressant; initiate hydrocodone at 20 to 30% of the usual dosage in patients that are concurrently receiving another CNS depressant. Also consider a using a lower dose of the CNS depressant. Monitor patients for sedation and respiratory depression. In addition, combining clozapine with opiate agonists may lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function.
Hydrocodone; Ibuprofen: (Moderate) Concomitant use of hydrocodone with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, may lead to hypotension, profound sedation, coma, respiratory depression and death. Prior to concurrent use of hydrocodone in patients taking a CNS depressant, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Hydrocodone should be used in reduced dosages if used concurrently with a CNS depressant; initiate hydrocodone at 20 to 30% of the usual dosage in patients that are concurrently receiving another CNS depressant. Also consider a using a lower dose of the CNS depressant. Monitor patients for sedation and respiratory depression. In addition, combining clozapine with opiate agonists may lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function.
Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of hydrocodone with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, may lead to hypotension, profound sedation, coma, respiratory depression and death. Prior to concurrent use of hydrocodone in patients taking a CNS depressant, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Hydrocodone should be used in reduced dosages if used concurrently with a CNS depressant; initiate hydrocodone at 20 to 30% of the usual dosage in patients that are concurrently receiving another CNS depressant. Also consider a using a lower dose of the CNS depressant. Monitor patients for sedation and respiratory depression. In addition, combining clozapine with opiate agonists may lead to additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function.
Hydromorphone: (Moderate) Concomitant use of hydromorphone with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants can potentiate the effects of hydromorphone and may lead to additive CNS or respiratory depression, profound sedation, or coma. Examples of drugs associated with CNS depression include clozapine. Prior to concurrent use of hydromorphone in patients taking a CNS depressant, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. If hydromorphone is used concurrently with a CNS depressant, a reduced dosage of hydromorphone and/or the CNS depressant is recommended; start with one-third to one-half of the estimated hydromorphone starting dose when using hydromorphone extended-release tablets. Carefully monitor the patient for hypotension, CNS depression, and respiratory depression. Carbon dioxide retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids.
Hydroxychloroquine: (Major) Avoid coadministration of clozapine and hydroxychloroquine due to the risk of increased QT prolongation. If use together is necessary, obtain an ECG at baseline to assess initial QT interval and determine frequency of subsequent ECG monitoring, avoid any non-essential QT prolonging drugs, and correct electrolyte imbalances. Hydroxychloroquine prolongs the QT interval. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Hydroxyzine: (Major) Caution is recommended if hydroxyzine is administered with clozapine due to the potential for additive QT prolongation, increased risk of torsade de pointes (TdP), significant sedation, and anticholinergic effects. Postmarketing data indicate that hydroxyzine causes QT prolongation and TdP. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Ibritumomab Tiuxetan: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Ibrutinib: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Ibuprofen; Oxycodone: (Moderate) Concomitant use of oxycodone with other CNS depressants, such as clozapine, can lead to additive respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, or coma. In addition, this drug combination may result in additive effects on intestinal motility or bladder function. Prior to concurrent use of oxycodone in patients taking clozapine, assess the level of tolerance to CNS depression that has developed, the duration of use, and the patient's overall response to treatment. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Oxycodone should be used in reduced dosages if used concurrently with a CNS depressant; initiate oxycodone at one-third to one-half the usual dosage in patients that are concurrently receiving another CNS depressant. Also consider using a lower clozapine dose. Monitor patients for sedation and respiratory depression.
Ibutilide: (Major) Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. The manufacturer of clozapine recommends caution during concurrent use with medications known to cause QT prolongation. Ibutilide administration can cause QT prolongation and TdP; proarrhythmic events should be anticipated. The potential for proarrhythmic events with ibutilide increases with the coadministration of other drugs that prolong the QT interval.
Idelalisib: (Major) Avoid concomitant use of idelalisib, a strong CYP3A inhibitor, with clozapine, a CYP3A substrate, as clozapine toxicities may be significantly increased. The AUC of a sensitive CYP3A substrate was increased 5.4-fold when coadministered with idelalisib. In addition, it is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Iloperidone: (Major) Iloperidone has been associated with QT prolongation; however, torsade de pointes (TdP) has not been reported. According to the manufacturer, since iloperidone may prolong the QT interval, it should be avoided in combination with other agents also known to have this effect, such as clozapine. In addition, coadministration may increase the risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, extrapyramidal symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or seizures. The likelihood of these pharmacodynamic interactions varies based upon the individual properties of the co-administered antipsychotic agent. Although the incidence of tardive dyskinesia from combination antipsychotic therapy has not been established and data are very limited, the risk appears to be increased during use of a conventional and atypical antipsychotic versus use of a conventional antipsychotic alone.
Imatinib: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist. Additionally, clozapine is a CYP2D6 substrate and imatinib, STI-571 is a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6, Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with an inhibitor of CYP2D6 should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Incretin Mimetics: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and incretin mimetic use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Indinavir: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of indinavir and clozapine. Indinavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, one of the isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of clozapine. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with an inhibitor of CYP3A4 should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin: (Major) Avoid coadministration of inotuzumab ozogamicin with clozapine due to the potential for additive QT interval prolongation and risk of torsade de pointes (TdP). If coadministration is unavoidable, obtain an ECG and serum electrolytes prior to the start of treatment, after treatment initiation, and periodically during treatment. Inotuzumab has been associated with QT interval prolongation. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, TdP, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Insulin Degludec; Liraglutide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and incretin mimetic use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Insulin Glargine; Lixisenatide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and incretin mimetic use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Insulins: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant atypical antipsychotic and insulin use. Atypical antipsychotic therapy may aggravate diabetes mellitus. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic states, and diabetic coma. Possible mechanisms include atypical antipsychotic-induced insulin resistance or direct beta-cell inhibition.
Interferon Alfa-2b: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., certain antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Interferon Alfa-n3: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., certain antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Ipilimumab: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Isavuconazonium: (Moderate) Concomitant use of isavuconazonium with clozapine may result in increased serum concentrations of clozapine. Clozapine is a substrate of the hepatic isoenzyme CYP3A4; isavuconazole, the active moiety of isavuconazonium, is a moderate inhibitor of this enzyme.Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with an inhibitor of CYP3A4 should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Isoflurane: (Major) Concomitant use of clozapine and halogenated anesthetics increases the risk of QT/QTc prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), excessive sedation and respiratory depression, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Avoid concomitant use if possible, especially in patients with additional risk factors for these adverse effects. Consider taking steps to minimize the risk for QT/QTc interval prolongation and TdP, such as electrolyte monitoring and repletion and ECG monitoring, if concomitant use is necessary and monitor for signs and symptoms of NMS and prolonged sedation and respiratory depression.
Isoniazid, INH: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with isoniazid and monitor for adverse reactions. If isoniazid is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A4. isoniazid is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor.
Isoniazid, INH; Pyrazinamide, PZA; Rifampin: (Major) Coadministration of clozapine, a CYP3A4 substrate, with a potent inducer of CYP3A4, such as rifampin, is not recommended. If coadministration is necessary, monitor for decreased effectiveness of clozapine and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inducer is discontinued, reduce the clozapine dose based on clinical response. Rifampin may also increase the metabolism of clozapine through induction of CYP1A2. (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with isoniazid and monitor for adverse reactions. If isoniazid is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A4. isoniazid is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor.
Isoniazid, INH; Rifampin: (Major) Coadministration of clozapine, a CYP3A4 substrate, with a potent inducer of CYP3A4, such as rifampin, is not recommended. If coadministration is necessary, monitor for decreased effectiveness of clozapine and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inducer is discontinued, reduce the clozapine dose based on clinical response. Rifampin may also increase the metabolism of clozapine through induction of CYP1A2. (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with isoniazid and monitor for adverse reactions. If isoniazid is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A4. isoniazid is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor.
Isradipine: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Istradefylline: (Moderate) Consider a clozapine dose reduction if coadministered with istradefylline 40 mg daily and monitor for adverse reactions. If istradefylline is discontinued, monitor for lack of clozapine effect and increase dose if necessary. A clinically relevant increase in the plasma concentration of clozapine may occur during concurrent use. Clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A4; istradefylline administered as 40 mg daily is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor. There was no effect on drug exposure when istradefylline 20 mg daily was coadministered with a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate.
Itraconazole: (Major) Caution is advised when administering itraconazole with drugs that are known to prolong that QT interval and are metabolized by CYP3A4, such as clozapine. Both clozapine and itraconazole are associated with QT prolongation; coadministration may increase this risk. In addition, coadministration of itraconazole (a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor) with clozapine (a CYP3A4 substrate) may result in elevated clozapine plasma concentrations and an increased risk for adverse events, including QT prolongation. Consider a clozapine dose reduction if necessary. If itraconazole therapy is stopped, it may be prudent to continue close monitoring for up to 2 weeks after discontinuing itraconazole. Once discontinued, the plasma concentration of itraconazole decreases to almost undetectable concentrations within 7 to 14 days. The decline in plasma concentrations may be even more gradual in patients with hepatic cirrhosis or who are receiving concurrent CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Ivacaftor: (Moderate) Use caution when administering ivacaftor and clozapine concurrently. Ivacaftor is an inhibitor of CYP3A and clozapine is partially metabolized by CYP3A. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death. Elevated plasma concentrations of clozapine occurring through CYP inhibition may potentially increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, sedation, anticholinergic effects, seizures, orthostasis, or other adverse effects. According to the manufacturer, patients receiving clozapine in combination with an inhibitor of CYP3A4 should be monitored for adverse reactions. Consideration should be given to reducing the clozapine dose if necessary. If the inhibitor is discontinued after dose adjustments are made, monitor for lack of clozapine effectiveness and consider increasing the clozapine dose if necessary.
Ivosidenib: (Major) Avoid coadministration of ivosidenib with clozapine due to an increased risk of QT prolongation. If concomitant use is unavoidable, monitor ECGs for QTc prolongation and monitor electrolytes; correct any electrolyte abnormalities as clinically appropriate. An interruption of therapy and dose reduction of ivosidenib may be necessary if QT prolongation occurs. Prolongation of the QTc interval and ventricular arrhythmias have been reported in patients treated with ivosidenib. Treatment with clozapine has been associated with QT prolongation, torsade de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Ketamine: (Moderate) Clozapine can potentiate the actions of other CNS depressants such as the general anesthetics. Caution should be exercised with simultaneous use of these agents due to potential excessive CNS effects.
Ketoconazole: (Contraindicated) Avoid concomitant use of ketoconazole and clozapine due to an increased risk for torsade de pointes (TdP) and QT/QTc prolongation. Additionally, concomitant use may increase the exposure of clozapine, thereby further increasing the risk for adverse events. Clozapine is a CYP3A substrate and ketoconazole is a strong CYP3A inhibitor.
Labetalol: (Moderate) Clozapine used concomitantly with the antihypertensive agents can increase the risk and severity of hypotension by potentiating the effect of the antihypertensive drug.
Lamotrigine: (Major) One report has described an interaction between lamotrigine and clozapine. A 3-fold increase in clozapine concentrations occurred in a patient after lamotrigine was added to the drug regimen. The patient experienced drowsiness and dizziness that were clinically significant. Measurement of clozapine plasma concentrations during the time of the interaction and after lamotrigine was discontinued indicated a probable intera