Olanzapine Flashcards
Olanzapine Mechanism of Action
• Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic.
• Olanzapine has actions at multiple receptors within the brain causing a
reduction in agitation, sedation, anxiolysis and stabilisation of mood.
Olanzapine Indications
Patients aged greater than or equal to 12 years with agitated delirium causing
a mild to moderate risk to safety, when the patient will take an oral medicine.
Olanzapine Contraindications
Known severe allergy.
Poisoning with an antipsychotic, for example quetiapine or risperidone.
Olanzapine Cautions
Pregnancy.
Intoxication. This will increase and prolong the effects.
Elderly and/or frail. These will increase and prolong the effects.
Olanzapine use in pregnancy/breastfeeding
• Safety has not been demonstrated during pregnancy and the balance of risk is
such that olanzapine should usually be withheld.
• May be administered if the patient is breastfeeding. Advise the patient to stop
breastfeeding and seek further advice from their lead maternity carer or GP.
Olanzapine Dose
- 10 mg PO.
- Reduce the patient to 5 mg PO if the patient is frail.
- The dose may be repeated once after 20 minutes.
Olanzapine Common adverse effects
• Sedation.
Olanzapine Usual onset of effect
10-20 minutes
Olanzapine usual duration of effect
12-24 hours
Olanzapine preparation
• 5 mg dispersible tablets (wafers).
Olanzapine Pharmacokinetics
- Olanzapine is predominantly metabolised by the liver.
* There are no significant effects from liver impairment on acute administration.
Olanzapine Common interactions
- Intoxication. Olanzapine will have increased and prolonged effects if the patient is intoxicated with alcohol or has taken recreational drugs.
- Sedative drugs. Concurrent administration with other sedative drugs (such as midazolam or droperidol) will result in an increased and prolonged effect.
