Clozaril

Clozaril is used for:

Managing schizophrenia in patients who do not respond to other medicines. It is used to decrease the risk of suicidal behavior in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Clozaril is an atypical antipsychotic. It may work by affecting certain chemicals in the brain. This has an effect on thinking and behavior.

Do NOT use Clozaril if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Clozaril
• you have bone marrow problems, other blood cell problems, or a history of blood problems caused by Clozaril
• you have uncontrolled seizures (eg, epilepsy) or loss of bowel muscle movement (paralytic ileus)
• you have severe drowsiness
• you are taking other medicines that may cause blood problems. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines may cause blood problems

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Clozaril :

Some medical conditions may interact with Clozaril . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of blood clots, blood problems, high blood cholesterol levels, heart problems, or lung or breathing problems
• if you have a history of an enlarged prostate; prolonged, painful erections; liver or kidney problems; seizures (eg, epilepsy); glaucoma; stomach or bowel problems; or dementia
• if you have poor health, diabetes, or a family member with diabetes, or you are very overweight
• if you have decreased activity of enzymes that metabolize certain medicines

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Clozaril . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Benzodiazepines (eg, lorazepam) or other medicines for mental or mood problems because the risk of heart or breathing problems may be increased
• Cimetidine, erythromycin, quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), risperidone, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine) because they may increase the risk of Clozaril 's side effects
• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), nicotine, or rifampin because they may decrease Clozaril 's effectiveness
• Antiarrhythmics (eg, propafenone, quinidine), anticholinergics (eg, benztropine), carbamazepine, debrisoquin, dextromethorphan, medicines for depression or high blood pressure, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Clozaril

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cloz aril may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.