Accidental clozapine intoxication in a ten-year-old child
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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Methods for Studying the Mechanisms of Action of Antipsychotic Drugs in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: February 4, 2014
Arturo Borzutzky1, Esteban Avello, Hana Rumie
1Catholic University School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile.
Abstract:
Clozapine is a tricyclic dibenzodiazepine derivative used commonly in the treatment of schizophrenia. Severe side effects of overdose have been described in children. This report describes the unintentional ingestion of clozapine by a 10-y-o girl, presenting dramatic changes of mental status and progressive alteration of consciousness with a Glasgow Coma Scale drop from 12 to 7. Urine analysis revealed 500 microg clozapine/L 24 h after ingestion. Full resolution of symptoms occurred after approximately 55 h with no sequels or alterations at follow-up. Awareness must be taken when administering atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine to children because of the severe intoxication effects cases reported.
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