Clozapine use in geriatric patients- Challenges

Asian J Psychiatr. 2018 Mar:33:63-67. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2018.03.008. Epub 2018 Mar 3.

Abstract

Clozapine is the first second generation antipsychotic with different receptor profile of action. Clozapine is the most efficacious drug for the treatment of psychotic disorder and is the drug of choice in treatment resistant schizophrenia. Clozapine is used in elderly patients infrequently owing to its adverse effects profile and tolerability. There is paucity of literature with respect to clozapine use in late life. In this narrative review, we discuss clozapine use in elderly and challenges associated with its use.

Keywords: Clozapine; Cognition; Elderly; Parkinson’s disease; Schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / drug effects*
  • Agranulocytosis / chemically induced*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Clozapine / administration & dosage
  • Clozapine / adverse effects
  • Clozapine / therapeutic use*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Seizures / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Clozapine