Trade names Zoleptil ATC code N05AX11 (WHO) CAS ID 26615-21-4 | Routes of
administration Oral Bioavailability 7-13% (Oral) Trade name Zoleptil | |
 | ||
AHFS/Drugs.com International Drug Names Legal status In general: ℞ (Prescription only) | ||
What does zotepine mean
Zotepine (brand names: Losizopilon , Lodopin , Setous , Zoleptil ; where † indicates a formulation that has been discontinued) is an atypical antipsychotic drug indicated for acute and chronic schizophrenia. It has been used in Germany since 1990 (although it has been discontinued in Germany) and Japan since 1982.
Contents
Zotepine is not approved for use in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada or New Zealand.
Medical Uses
Zotepine's primary use is as a treatment for schizophrenia although clinical trials have been conducted (with positive results) into its efficacy as an antimanic agent in patients with acute bipolar mania.
Side effects
Pharmacology
The antipsychotic effect of zotepine is thought to be mediated through antagonist activity at dopamine and serotonin receptors. Zotepine has a high affinity for the D1 and D2 receptors. It also affects the 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 receptors. In addition, its active metabolite, norzotepine, serves as a potent norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Dosing
The most common dosage used is 150 mg daily. It is suggested that zotepine therapy starts at 75 mg to 150 mg divided into three daily doses. Some people may need to have their dosage increased to 300 mg.