Clopixol-Acuphase Ampoules are an advanced, long-acting intramuscular injection formulation containing the active ingredient zuclopenthixol. Zuclopenthixol belongs to a class of medications known as antipsychotics, specifically a subgroup called thioxanthenes. Clopixol Acuvis is a therapeutic preparation specifically designed to provide continuous and effective management of chronic psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and related disorders. The key to this drug's effectiveness lies in its ability to slowly and steadily release the active ingredient into the bloodstream after injection, providing a sustained therapeutic effect for a prolonged period, typically several weeks. This reduces the need for daily medication and improves patient adherence and psychological stability.
The active ingredient in Clopixol-Acuphase Ampoules
Each Clopixol-Acuphase ampoule contains the following active ingredient, which is the basis of its therapeutic effect in managing psychotic symptoms:
Zuclopenthixol: A chemical compound belonging to the thioxanthene group of typical (first-generation) antipsychotics. Zuclopenthixol works primarily by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine. Psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, are believed to be associated with overactivity of the brain's dopamine system. Zuclopenthixol blocks D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in the brain, reducing the effect of dopamine and helping to alleviate these psychotic symptoms. In addition to its effect on dopamine, zuclopenthixol may also affect other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, contributing to its overall therapeutic effect on psychotic disorders. Its long-acting formulation (Acuviz) is based on dissolving zuclopenthixol in a vegetable oil, allowing it to be slowly released from the injection site into the bloodstream, thus providing a sustained therapeutic effect for a long period.
Available Strengths
Clopixol-Acuphase ampoules are available in concentration of:
100 mg/ 2 ml: This concentration is considered a lower starting or maintenance dose and may be used in patients who require a lower dose of zuclopenthixol or who are more sensitive to its side effects.
The initial dose, subsequent dose, and frequency of injections (usually every 2 to 4 weeks) are determined individually by the psychiatrist based on a careful assessment of the patient's clinical condition, the severity of psychotic symptoms, response to treatment, and tolerance to potential side effects. It is essential to adhere to the injection schedule prescribed by your doctor and not to change the dose or frequency of injections on your own. The injection is usually given into a large muscle such as the gluteus medius.
Indications for Use of Clopixol-Acuphase Ampoules
Clopixol-Acuphase Ampoules are primarily used to manage the following conditions that require long-term antipsychotic treatment:
Chronic Schizophrenia: Clopixol-Acuphase is an effective treatment option for patients with chronic symptoms of schizophrenia, such as auditory and visual hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and negative symptoms (such as social withdrawal and emotional blunting). The long-acting injection helps maintain a constant level of the drug in the body, reducing the risk of relapse.
Other Chronic Psychotic Disorders: Clopixol-Acuphase can be used to manage other psychotic disorders that require long-term antipsychotic treatment, such as schizoaffective disorder and persistent delusional disorder. Long-term maintenance treatment for patients stabilized on short-acting antipsychotics: Patients who have responded well to oral antipsychotics but have difficulty adhering to daily medication can be switched to Clopixol-Acuphase to provide continuous treatment and reduce the risk of noncompliance and subsequent relapses.