Clozapine
Clozaril (clozapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat treatment-resistant schizophrenia in patients who have not responded adequately to at least two other antipsychotic medications. It works by modulating dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain, and is also approved for reducing the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior in schizophrenia patients.
Clozaril is an antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia that requires regular blood monitoring due to risk of agranulocytosis.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 216102
- Generic
- Clozaril
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
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Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (when other antipsychotics have failed) and reduction of suicidal behavior risk in schizophrenia patients.
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic that blocks dopamine D4 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors, providing antipsychotic effects with lower risk of extrapyramidal side effects compared to typical antipsychotics.
Requires weekly to monthly white blood cell monitoring due to risk of agranulocytosis (low white blood cell count). May cause sedation, weight gain, drooling, and metabolic changes. Can lower seizure threshold. Must be discontinued if neutropenia develops. Available only through restricted distribution program (REMS).
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy