Clozapine induced polyserositis

Clin Neuropharmacol. 1997 Aug;20(4):352-6. doi: 10.1097/00002826-199708000-00007.

Abstract

Clozapine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1989 for treatment of severely ill schizophrenic patients. It has activity against both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, which has made it an alternative to traditional antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol. However, clozapine must be used cautiously due to its side effect profile. These side effects include agranulocytosis, seizures, and cardiorespiratory symptoms. We report the case of a patient who developed polyserositis (pericardial effusion, pleural effusion, and pericarditis) after being started on clozapine, and whose symptoms remitted upon discontinuation of clozapine. The literature is reviewed and the treatment implications are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clozapine / adverse effects*
  • Clozapine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Schizophrenia / complications
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Serositis / chemically induced*
  • Serositis / physiopathology

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Clozapine