Clozapine-induced gastrointestinal hypomotility: UK pharmacovigilance reports, 2018-2022

Clozapine-induced gastrointestinal hypomotility (CIGH) can cause constipation, which may progress to ileus, intestinal perforation and other life-threatening conditions. There were at least 527 unique cases of harmful CIGH (172 deaths) assessed by strict criteria in the UK, 1992-2017.

To assess the impact of strengthened warnings about the risks of CIGH, such as those issued by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (2017) and the US Food and Drug Administration (2020), on reports of harmful CIGH in the UK.

We audited UK MHRA Yellow Card reports recorded as clozapine-related gastrointestinal disorders, 2018-end 2022.

Of 335 unique reports (36 fatal, 26 male) that met initial CIGH criteria, there were 129 (22 fatal, 18 male) that met the final CIGH inclusion criteria. Reports of non-fatal CIGH (final criteria) averaged 26 per year (15 in 2022). Deaths averaged four per year (two in 2022). Where data were available the greatest proportion of deaths occurred after 10-14 years of clozapine treatment.

Publicity aimed at raising awareness of the problem posed by CIGH has been associated with a reduction in harmful CIGH as reported to the UK MHRA since 2017. Continued vigilance is needed to reduce risk. Stopping smoking may pose a particular risk and should be monitored carefully.