Zyprexa

What is it?

An antipsychotic preparation and thienobenzodiazepine available as film-coated, white tablets in 4 strengths containing 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg and 10mg of olanzapine. All are marked LILLY and 4112, 4115, 4116 and 4117, respectively. Also, elliptical- shaped, blue tablets containing 15mg of olanzapine, marked LILLY 4415. Also, ZYPREXA VELOTAB, freeze- dried dispersible tablets to dissolve in the mouth in 3 strengths containing 5mg, 10mg and 15mg of olanzapine.

Medical Uses

Schizophrenia, treatment of manic episode when symptoms are moderate to severe.

Dosage

Adults, schizophrenia, 10mg as single dose to start. Manic episode, 15mg as single dose to start, if sole treatment or 10mg if combined with other drugs. Adjust if necessary in either case to dose in order of 15 to 20mg each day. Velotabs can be dissolved in mouth or added to liquid.

Special Care

Pregnancy, elderly women who are non-smokers, impaired kidney or liver function, fits, enlarged prostate gland, blood changes, diabetes, movement disorders (tardive dyskinesia), suppressed bone marrow, paralytic ileus. Patients should be asked to report symptoms of fever, rigid muscles - suspect neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Avoid Use

Children, breastfeeding, narrow-angle glaucoma.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs that increase QTc interval (part of ECG), alcohol, ciprofloxacin, carbamazepine, ketoconazole, fluvoxamine, charcoal, smoking.

Known Side Effects

Weight gain, sleepiness. neutropenia (decline in blood platelets increasing risk of bleeding), eosinophilia (increase in number of eosinophils-white blood cells - usually an inflammatory or allergic response), weakness, anticholinergic effects, increased appetite, dizziness, fluid retention in peripheral regions, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure on standing up), raised blood triglyceride levels and AST and ALT, akathisia (abnormal condition of agititation and restlessness). Manufacturer. Lilly.