Zuclopenthixol Intramuscular injection is used to treat schizophrenia (an illness that causes changes in perception, thoughts and behaviour) and other dysfunctional mood conditions.
Zuclopenthixol Intramuscular injection helps to relieve symptoms such as distorted thinking and emotional instability.
Use Zuclopenthixol Intramuscular injection exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Zuclopenthixol Intramuscular injection is to be injected deep into the muscles. This is usually injected into the buttock muscles or the thigh muscles. Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Zuclopenthixol Intramuscular injection is given if you are not able to swallow pills or if your doctor has decided that an injection gives better control over your symptoms as compared to a pill.
You may need to use Zuclopenthixol Intramuscular injection for some time before the full benefits can be felt. Do not be discouraged if you do not feel better soon after the injection has been given. It may sometimes take a few weeks or even a few months for improvement to be felt.
It is important that you continue with the injections even when you feel well. Do not stop using Zuclopenthixol Intramuscular injection unless your doctor has decided to do so. If this medicine is stopped suddenly, you may feel unwell or your condition may worsen. When your doctor decides that you do not need Zuclopenthixol Intramuscular injection anymore, he will usually reduce your dose slowly.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Zuclopenthixol.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Zuclopenthixol is not suitable for patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- an enlarged prostate
- epilepsy (fits)
- thyroid disease
- liver or kidney disease
- heart disease as irregular heart rhythm
- risk factors for stroke
- blood disorder
- lung disease such as asthma or bronchitis
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes muscle weakness)
- Parkinson's disease
- breast cancer or other cancers that are prolactin-dependent
- adrenal gland tumour called phaeochromocytoma
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Zuclopenthixol may affect the way your body adjusts to temperature changes in the environment. Avoid exposure to very cold or very hot environments. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities such as going to the sauna. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
If you are going for an operation, including minor operations and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Zuclopenthixol.
Zuclopenthixol may make you drowsy or dizzy. It may also blur your vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or be able to see clearly.
Dizziness may be worse when you get up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking Zuclopenthixol for the first time or if your dose is still being adjusted. This is normal and should disappear gradually as you get used to the medicine. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
Other common side effects include any of the following: passing urine more often or an inability to control the urge to urinate, weight gain, constipation, stomach discomfort, dry mouth, water retention, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, difficulty sleeping, problems concentrating, nervousness, anxiety, excitement and agitation. There may also be some redness, pain or discomfort at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- muscle spasms or uncontrolled muscle movements of your body or face, such as sticking out of the tongue, smacking of the lips
- muscle stiffness, fever, excessive sweating, blood pressure changes
- swelling, redness or pain of the lower leg
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and your pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat depression and anxiety e.g. paroxetine, escitalopram
- other psychiatric medicines e.g. thioridazine, lithium
- medicines for cold and allergy e.g. astemizole, terfenadine
- medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease e.g. levodopa
- medicines used to treat abnormal heart rhythm e.g. quinidine, sotalol, amiodarone
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. hydralazine, doxazosin
- metoclopramide (medicine to treat vomiting)
- diet pills e.g. sibutramine
- certain antibiotics e.g. moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, erythromycin
- diuretics (water pills)
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Zuclopenthixol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep away from light. Light may cause the medication to lose some of its effectiveness.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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