Olanzapine
Generic Details
Generic Name
Olanzapine
Other Names
- Zyprexa
Drug Class
- Antipsychotic
Chemical Formula
C₁₇H₂₀N₄S
Molecular Weight
312.44 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Blocks multiple neurotransmitter receptors including dopamine and serotonin
Indications
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression associated with bipolar disorder
- Treatment-resistant depression
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Orally disintegrating tablet
- Injection
Typical Dosage
- 5-20 mg once daily for adults with schizophrenia
- 5-15 mg once daily for adults with bipolar disorder
Pediatric Dosage
- Not recommended for children under 13 years old
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower starting dose often recommended for the elderly
Side Effects
- Weight gain
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Metabolic changes
- Increased risk of diabetes and cholesterol issues
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to olanzapine
- Patients with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma
Pregnancy Category
- Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- Caution advised as it can pass into breast milk
Drug Interactions
- Avoid using with other central nervous system depressants
- Can interact with drugs that affect the heart rhythm
Overdose Symptoms
- Drowsiness
- Coma
- Tachycardia
- EPS symptoms
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote, treatment is supportive
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed orally
- Distribution: Widely distributed in the body
- Metabolism: Extensively metabolized by the liver
- Excretion: Primarily excreted in the urine
Precautions
- Monitor blood sugar and lipids regularly
- Use caution in patients with a history of seizures
Warnings
- Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
- May cause drowsiness or dizziness
Others
- May need routine monitoring of weight and metabolic parameters during treatment