Quetiapine Fumarate

Generic Details

Generic Name

Quetiapine Fumarate

Other Names

  • Seroquel

Drug Class

  • Atypical Antipsychotic

Chemical Formula

C21H25N3O2S

Molecular Weight

383.51 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Antagonist at serotonin and dopamine receptors

Indications

  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Generalized anxiety disorder

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet
  • Extended-release tablet

Typical Dosage

  • Schizophrenia: 150-750 mg/day
  • Bipolar disorder: 400-800 mg/day
  • Depressive disorder: 150-300 mg/day

Pediatric Dosage

  • Not established

Geriatric Dosage

  • Initiate at lower doses due to increased sensitivity

Side Effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Weight gain
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to quetiapine
  • Recent myocardial infarction
  • Uncontrolled epilepsy

Pregnancy Category

  • C

Lactation Safety

  • May pass into breast milk

Drug Interactions

  • CNS depressants
  • Antihypertensives
  • Antidepressants

Overdose Symptoms

  • Extreme drowsiness
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Seizures

Antidote for Overdose

  • Supportive care

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from light and moisture

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapid and well-absorbed
  • Distribution: Highly distributed in tissues
  • Metabolism: Extensively hepatic via CYP3A4
  • Excretion: Mainly in urine and feces

Precautions

  • Caution in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
  • Risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults

Warnings

  • Risk of agranulocytosis
  • Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia

Others

  • May cause orthostatic hypotension