What is the dosage and how should it be used?
Take clozapine exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Take the regular oral tablet with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water to keep from getting constipated. Your doctor may also recommend a laxative.
The FazaCloŽ orally-disintegrating tablet can be taken without water. When you are ready for your dose, remove the tablet from the blister pack by gently peeling the foil back and dropping the tablet into your hand. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Quickly place the tablet in your mouth. It will dissolve rapidly on your tongue and can be swallowed with saliva. No water is needed.
If your doctor has prescribed one-half of an orally-disintegrating tablet, you will need to break the tablet in half. After taking the tablet half, throw the other half away. Do not store it for later use.
Clozapine can be taken with or without food.
While you are taking clozapine, your blood will need to be tested every week for the first 6 months of treatment. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor or you may not be able to continue using clozapine. You may still need to have weekly blood tests for at least 4 weeks after you stop using clozapine.
Additionally, if you have not taken your clozapine for more than 2 days in a row, call your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need to start with a lower dose than you were taking before. Do not stop taking clozapine without first talking to your doctor.
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?