Zuclopenthixol: Effects, Uses & Risks

Zuclopenthixol is a neuroleptic drug used to treat various mental disorders such as acute schizophrenia. It inhibits the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the human brain and consequently exerts an antipsychotic effect. The active substance should always be administered in consultation with and under the constant supervision of a physician. Possible side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, tremors, vomiting, and altered blood counts.

What is zuclopenthixol?

The active ingredient zuclopenthixol is a chemical, organic, and polycyclic compound. Polycyclic compounds are chemically structured by multiple rings. Zuclopenthixol belongs to the class of thioxanthenes and is a neuroleptic. Characteristic of thiocanthenes is the chemical structure of a triple ring. Along with flupentixol and chlorprothixene, zuclopenthixol is one of the most important representatives of this group. The active ingredient is a so-called receptor antagonist for the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. In pharmacology, antagonists are all substances that inhibit the action of their counterpart. Zuclopenthixol first appeared on the market in 1986. The active ingredient appeared on the market under the trade name Clopixol.

Pharmacological effects on the body and organs

Zuclopenthixol blocks the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the central nervous system. It binds to the receptors of these neurotransmitters. As a result, dopamine and serotonin can no longer dock and are inhibited by the antagonistically active drug. This results in an antipsychotic effect. The effect of the neuroleptic is directly dependent on the dosage of the drug. At low doses, confusion and agitation in dementia can be alleviated. At higher doses, severe agitation states and acute and chronic schizophrenia can be treated. The mechanisms of action affect mood and thinking and can relieve aggressiveness, delusions, hallucinations, and psychomotor agitation states. However, zuclopenthixol does not only influence the human nervous system. The drug has an accelerating effect on the heartbeat and can cause palpitations. Other organs such as the skin, liver, intestines, and stomach are also affected by zuclopenthixol. The body absorbs zuclopenthixol rapidly. After three to four hours, the substance concentration in the blood is highest. After about twenty hours, half of the active substance has been broken down.

Medical use and use for treatment and prevention.

Zuclopenthixol is approved for the medical treatment of several medical conditions. Indications include chronic schizophrenia as well as psychomotor agitation, aggressive behaviors associated with dementia or mental retardation, and manic mental states. The drug must not be prescribed if the patient may be allergic to zuclopenthixol. Furthermore, acute intoxication from alcohol or sleeping pills, adrenal tumors, circulatory shock, and blood count changes are contraindications. Zuclopenthixol is available in three different forms for treatment. In addition to the injection solution for acute treatment, a depot form of the active ingredient is also on the market. Depot drugs are usually administered by bypassing the intestine into a specific depot, such as muscle tissue. Additionally, the active ingredient is commercially available in tablet form for oral administration. Before administering zuclopenthixol, the physician must check the patient’s blood count. In case of severe deviations from the target blood value, the drug must not be taken. During treatment with zuclopenthixol, regular blood count and liver value checks should be performed. In addition, cardiac activity should be monitored by ECG at regular intervals. If the patient is treated with zuclopenthixol for a prolonged period of time, the success of the therapy must be constantly documented and a reduction in the dose may be necessary.

Risks and Side Effects

Patients who have cardiac or renal impairment are more likely to have blood level abnormalities and should be monitored closely. Special caution should be exercised when taking zuclopenthixol if there is an increased risk of stroke or if a close relative has had venous blood clots. The drug is not recommended for the treatment of children. Likewise, treatment during pregnancy is not recommended.In this case, the attending physician must weigh the risk-benefit ratio most carefully in each individual case. Possible side effects of the drug occur more frequently in earlier phases of treatment. Dry mouth, fatigue, muscle rigidity, dizziness, tremor, and urge to move occur quite often. In addition, diarrhea, vomiting, hives, depression, and loss of appetite are possible. More rare are derailments of blood levels or anaphylactic reactions. Caution is advised when taking painkillers or sleeping pills at the same time. In combination with zuclopenthixol, increased flattening of breathing may occur. Alcohol should be avoided during use.