Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug, is a tricyclic dibenzodiazepine derivative, 8-chloro-11-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-5 H -dibenzo [ b,e ] [1,4] diazepine. The structural formula is: Clozapine USP is available in pale yellow colored tablets of 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg for oral administration. Active Ingredient: clozapine Inactive Ingredients are colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, povidone, and talc. Chemical Structure

What kind of drug is clozapine?

The FDA classifies clozapine as an atypical antipsychotic. Atypical antipsychotics block dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, rebalancing these signaling chemicals to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and mood symptoms in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take clozapine with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run clozapine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is clozapine sold under?

We track 4 clozapine-containing products in the U.S.: Clozapine, Clozaril, Fazaclo ODT and Versacloz. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does clozapine come in?

Across the brands we track, clozapine is currently marketed as tablet, tablet, orally disintegrating and suspension, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic clozapine?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic clozapine product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Clozapine: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic sold in the U.S. under 4 brand and generic names, for bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders and schizophrenia. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Atypical Antipsychotic
Treats: Bipolar Disorder, Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia
Available as: Tablet · Tablet, orally disintegrating · Suspension
Sold as: 4 products — Clozapine, Clozaril and Fazaclo ODT, and others
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $31 for a 30-count supply
Boxed warning: Boxed warning

How clozapine is dosed

From the FDA label for Clozapine (application ANDA075162). Other clozapine products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Recommended starting oral dosage is 12.5 mg once daily or twice daily. ( 2.2 ) If well-tolerated, increase the total daily dosage in increments of 25 mg to 50 mg per day to achieve a target dosage of 150 mg to 225 mg twice per day by the end of two weeks ( 2.2 ). Subsequently may increase the dosage in increments up to 100 mg once or twice weekly ( 2.2 ). Maximum daily dosage is 450 mg twice daily ( 2.2 ). Administer with or without food ( 2.2 ). See the dosage modifications based on ANC results and recommended frequency of ANC testing in the full prescribing information ( 2.3 , 2.4 ). See recommendations for discontinuing clozapine tablets treatment (2.5), restarting clozapine tablets after interrupting dosing ( 2.6 ), dosage modifications for drug interactions (2.7), dosage recommendations in patients with renal or hepatic impairment and CYP2D6 poor metabolizers ( 2.8 ) in the full prescribing information. 2.1 Absolute Neutrophil Count Testing Prior to Clozapine Tablets Initiation Prior to initiating clozapine tablets treatment, obtain a baseline absolute neutrophil count (ANC). Clozapine tablets initiation is not recommended in patients with an ANC less than 1500/μL [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . For patients with documented Benign Ethnic Neutropenia (BEN) (also known as Duffy-null associated neutrophil count), obtain at least two baseline ANC levels. Clozapine…

Clozapine side effects

The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Severe Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Orthostatic Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Falls [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Myocarditis, Pericarditis, Cardiomyopathy, and Mitral Valve Incompetence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Gastrointestinal Hypomotility with Severe Complications [See Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Eosinophilia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] QT Interval Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Metabolic Changes (Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia, and Weight Gain) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Fever [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Pulmonary Embolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Anticholinergic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15) ] Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16) ] Tardive Dyskinesia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.17) ] Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.18) ]…

Every clozapine product we track (4)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Clozapine products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Clozapine Boxed warning	70/100	Prescription	Tablet	Generic	$31	View →
2	Clozaril

What clozapine pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Clozapine pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
C;7;M	25 mg	orange	round	—
C72;M	50 mg	green	round	—
C11;M	100 mg	green	round	—
C73;M	200 mg	green	round	—
C;C;57	100 mg	yellow	round	—
C;25	25 mg	orange

Frequently asked questions

What is clozapine?: Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug, is a tricyclic dibenzodiazepine derivative, 8-chloro-11-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-5 H -dibenzo [ b,e ] [1,4] diazepine. The structural formula is: Clozapine USP is available in pale yellow colored tablets of 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg for oral administration. Active Ingredient: clozapine Inactive Ingredients are colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, povidone, and talc. Chemical Structure
What kind of drug is clozapine?: The FDA classifies clozapine as an atypical antipsychotic. Atypical antipsychotics block dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, rebalancing these signaling chemicals to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and mood symptoms in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take clozapine with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run clozapine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is clozapine sold under?: We track 4 clozapine-containing products in the U.S.: Clozapine, Clozaril, Fazaclo ODT and Versacloz. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does clozapine come in?: Across the brands we track, clozapine is currently marketed as tablet, tablet, orally disintegrating and suspension, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.

Clozapine drug interactions

Concomitant use of Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors : Reduce clozapine dose to one-third when coadministered with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin, enoxacin). ( 2.7 , 7.1 ) Concomitant use of Strong CYP3A4 Inducers is not recommended. ( 2.7 , 7.1 ) Discontinuation of CYP1A2 or CYP3A4 Inducers : Consider reducing clozapine dose when CYP1A2 inducers (e.g., tobacco smoke) or CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine) are discontinued. ( 2.7 , 7.1 ) Anticholinergic drugs: Concomitant use may increase the risk for anticholinergic toxicity. ( 5.7 , 5.15 , 7.1 ) 7.1 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Clozapine Clozapine is a substrate for many cytochrome P450 isozymes, in particular CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6. Use caution when administering clozapine concomitantly with drugs that are inducers or inhibitors of these enzymes. CYP1A2 Inhibitors Concomitant use of clozapine and CYP1A2 inhibitors can increase plasma levels of clozapine, potentially resulting in adverse reactions. Reduce the clozapine dose to one-third of the original dose when clozapine is coadministered with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin, or enoxacin). The clozapine dose should be increased to the original dose when coadministration of strong CYP1A2 inhibitors is discontinued [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Moderate or weak CYP1A2…