Zuclopenthixol
Zuclopenthixol (Cisordinol, Clopixol, Acuphase), also known as zuclopentixol, is a typical antipsychotic drug of the thioxanthene class. It was introduced in 1962 by Lundbeck. It is the cis-isomer of clopenthixol.
Zuclopenthixol is not approved for use in the United States.
Uses/Forms
Zuclopenthixol is available in three major preparations:
As zuclopenthixol decanoate (Clopixol), it is a long acting intramuscular injection. Its main use is as a long acting injection given every two or three weeks to people with schizophrenia who have a poor compliance with medication and suffer frequent relapses of illness. There is some evidence it may be more helpful in managing aggressive behaviour.
As zuclopenthixol acetate (Clopixol, Acuphase, Cisordinol-Acutard), it is a shorter acting intramuscular injection used in the acute sedation of psychotic inpatients. The effect peaks at 48–72 hours providing 2–3 days of sedation.
As zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride (Clopixol), it is a tablet used in the treatment of schizophrenia in those who are compliant with oral medication.
