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Typical Antipsychotic (Thioxanthene) — Oral and Depot Formulations

Zuclopenthixol

Brand names: Clopixol (oral/depot), Acuphase (short-acting IM — 72h)

Zuclopenthixol is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic of the thioxanthene class used in the management of schizophrenia and other psychoses.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It acts principally by antagonising dopamine D2 receptors in the central nervous system.

Prescribing in practice

  • Distinguish carefully between the short-acting acetate (acuphase) and the longer-acting decanoate depot formulations, as confusing them risks serious over- or under-treatment.
  • Extrapyramidal side effects are common and the drug shares the class risk of tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
  • Use with caution in cardiac disease and where there are QT or other antipsychotic-related risks.

Monitoring

Monitor for extrapyramidal effects, sedation, and the metabolic and cardiac parameters expected with antipsychotic therapy.

Counselling the patient

  • Report any muscle stiffness, tremor or abnormal movements promptly.
  • Seek urgent help for high fever, sweating or marked confusion.
  • Attend appointments for depot injections and monitoring as arranged.

Evidence & guidelines

First-generation antipsychotics remain established treatments for psychosis, with monitoring guided by NICE and SPC recommendations.

Reference: NICE CG178 (Psychosis and Schizophrenia); NICE NG10 (Violence and Aggression); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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