OBJECTIVE:The aim of the study is to examine the
pharmacokinetic feature of
clozapine and to optimize its regimen in order
to minimize its adverse reactions and promote the rational use of clozapine in clinical practice.METHODS:The study was conducted in 15 patients with schizophrenic disorder for whom no antipsychotic drugs were taken at least within two weeks before hospitalization.They were treated with 50 mg oral dose of clozapine after 12 hours fasting and blood samples were taken after dosing.The
pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from blood drug concentration obtained.An
optimized regimen could be obtained by comparing the calculated dose and dosing interval with those of actually used.RESULTS:From this study ,it was revealed that the blood drug concentration varied widely among persons by whom a same dose of clozapine was taken.The difference between the highest and the lowest may be as high as 8 folds.CONCLUSION:For obtaining a safe and effective drug concentration in blood,the dose of clozapine should be individualized.