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Reflux oesophagitis and clozapine
1Academic Unit of Human Psychopharmacology, Royal London and St Bartholomew's Hospital (NHS) Trust, St Clement's Hospital, UK.
International Clinical Psychopharmacology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Clozapine use in patients can lead to upper gastrointestinal symptoms like reflux esophagitis. Four out of thirty-six patients developed these issues within six weeks, with three showing erosive esophagitis on endoscopy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
- Gastrointestinal side effects are known but less commonly reported for upper GI issues.
Observation:
- Four patients (11%) developed upper gastrointestinal symptoms within 6 weeks of initiating clozapine.
- Symptoms were suggestive of reflux esophagitis.
Findings:
- Endoscopic examination confirmed moderately severe erosive esophagitis in three patients.
- Two of these patients had no prior history of upper gastrointestinal disorders.
Implications:
- Clozapine may be associated with an increased risk of gastro-esophageal reflux and erosive esophagitis.
- Clinicians should consider monitoring for upper GI symptoms in patients starting clozapine therapy.