31724 Clozapine

Course overview

Discussion about clozapine, with topics including uses, dosing and monitoring guidelines, potential side effects, use for individuals with special considerations and specific populations, and nursing considerations. There is also a discussion about how implicit bias may impact healthcare. Clozapine, considered the most effective antipsychotic, was introduced in the early 1970s for the treatment of schizophrenia and has since become an FDA-approved atypical antipsychotic drug for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Clozapine administration comes with the risk of potentially severe side effects, and patients taking clozapine must be regularly monitored for development of complications. Agranulocytosis occurs in up to 0.8 percent of patients and presents a significant medical challenge despite decreasing mortality rates. Even though clozapine is considered one of the most effective medications and is listed in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, there is frequently a delay in clozapine initiation, leading to poorer mental health and functional outcomes. Nurses and other healthcare professionals need education regarding safe prescription and monitoring of individuals receiving clozapine in order for best patient outcomes to be achieved.