title: Adverse effects of clozapine in older patients: epidemiology, prevention and management.
abstract: Research into the use of clozapine in older people is somewhat scarce. Clozapine is associated with serious adverse effects such as agranulocytosis, seizures, myocarditis and metabolic syndrome. Other common undesirable effects such as sedation, constipation (which can be fatal), urinary incontinence and hypersalivation further limit its use. These adverse effects are particularly important for the use of clozapine in older people, who are generally more susceptible to medication-related adverse effects. Whilst clozapine should be used with caution in elderly people, strict monitoring procedures can help to prevent harmful effects through early detection, and certain management techniques exist to minimise them. This review outlines the epidemiology of clozapine-related adverse effects in older people and discusses potential prevention and management strategies.
authors: Pharmacy Department, The Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK, delia.bishara@slam.nhs.uk.
authors: Delia
authors: D
authors: Bishara
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D003024:Clozapine