Clozaril Dosage

When beginning treatment for schizophrenia with Clozaril, dosage guidelines recommend 12.5 mg once or twice a day. Your healthcare provider may increase your dose, up to 300 mg to 450 mg per day. Some people may need larger doses, up to 600 mg to 900 mg per day. When you first start your Clozaril dosage, you will need a weekly blood test to check for dangerous side effects.

 

Clozaril Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of Clozaril® (clozapine) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your Clozaril dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Clozaril Dosage for Schizophrenia

The recommended starting dose of Clozaril for schizophrenia is Clozaril 12.5 mg (half of a 25-mg tablet) once or twice daily. If you tolerate the medication well, your healthcare provider may increase your dose slowly up to Clozaril 300 mg to 450 mg total per day. Some people will need to take larger doses, up to Clozaril 600 mg to 900 mg per day.
 
Because you will need frequent blood tests to check for dangerous Clozaril side effects, your pharmacy will dispense only a certain number of tablets at a time. When you first start the drug, you need a weekly blood test (and you will be given a week's supply of Clozaril). As you stay on the medication, the time in between blood tests can be extended (and you will be given a larger supply of Clozaril tablets).
 

General Clozaril Dosage Information

Considerations for people taking Clozaril include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth one to three times daily.
     
  • You can take Clozaril with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Clozaril should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Clozaril will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to Clozaril or your Clozaril dosage, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider (see Clozapine Withdrawal).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;