Zoleptil

What is it?

An antipsychotic preparation and dibenzothiepine, available as sugar-coated tablets in 3 strengths all containing zotepine. White, contain 25mg, marked Z25; yellow, contain 50mg, marked Z50; pink, contain 100mg, marked Z100.

Medical Uses

Schizophrenia.

Dosage

Adults, start with 25mg 3 times each day, then adjust every 4 days according to need to usual maintenance dose in order of 75 to 300mg each day. The maximum dose is 100mg 3 times daily. elderly patients, 25mg twice each day to start, adjusting according to need to a maximum of 75mg twice daily.

Special Care

Pregnancy, retention of urine, epilepsy or family history of such, impaired kidney function, enlarged prostate gland, Parkinson's disease, heart and circulatory disease, low blood potassium levels, tumpurs of adrenal glands, paralytic ileus, narrow angle glaucoma. Impaired liver function - requires monitoring; low blood pressure - blood pressure must be regularly checked. Perform ECG in the event of OTe prolongation (part of ECG).

Avoid Use

Children, breastfeeding, acute gout, history of nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), acute gout.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs causing prolongation of QTc, fluoxetine, depressants of CNS, agents that lower blood pressure, high doses of antipsychotics, diazepam, anaesthesia.

Known Side Effects

Weakness, disturbances of CNS and gastrointestinal upsets, conjunctivitis, blurring of vision, fluid retention, altered appetite, malaise, headache, fever, thirst, respiratory and skin effects, infection, effects on blood pressure, heart and circulation, changes in weight, urinary incontinence, disorders of musculo-skeletal system, changes in haematology and blood chemistry. If signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome occur, drug should be stopped immediately.