A clinical monitoring system for clozapine.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a framework for the initiation and ongoing monitoring of patients on clozapine, and detail support materials that can be used in clinical settings, including general practice, to support this process.


CONCLUSIONS
A framework is described. Clozapine has a special place in the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, it has certain side-effects that require its use to be carefully evaluated on an individual patient basis, and encompass excellent documentation and discussion with all relevant parties. Comprehensive longitudinal monitoring is required.
Castle
David
D
St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Vic., Australia. david.castle@svhm.org.au
Lambert
Tim
T
Melbourne
Sue
S
Cox
Andrew
A
Boardman
Gaylene
G
Fairest
Katherine
K
Davy
Martin
M
Goh
Joyce
J
Kuluris
Bill
B
Berk
Michael
M
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods; D004347:Drug Interactions; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008501:Medical Records, Problem-Oriented; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003024:Clozapine