Olanzapine Oral Dispersable

Question 1

Olanzapine Intro

Answer 1

• Olanzapine is a second generation antipsychotic agent that acts on multiple receptors (incl. serotonin and dopamine receptors), resulting in sedation
• Onset of effect usually ~ 10 mins.
• Use of a sedative agent should never be considered routine. Have a high threshold to offer or administer.

Question 2

Olanzapine Indications

Answer 2

• Disturbed and Abnormal Behaviour (RASS 1 ~ 3) if considered appropriate where risk to safety is evident and de-escalation has not been effective
• Patient is able to tolerate or self-administer an oral wafer
• Preferred first line sedation agent in frail patients and those with Dementia

Question 3

Olanzapine Contraindications

Answer 3

• Known Allergy
• Known Parkinsons Disease
• Age < 6 years of age

Question 4

Olanzapine Precautions / Notes

Answer 4

• Address organic causes for behavioural presentations at all times- eg. CVA, TBI, Hypoxia, Hypoglycaemia, etc
• Dementia patients – apply caution. Use lower doses
• Oral dispersible tablet may be dissolved in water (may slightly delay onset of action but still preferable in non-emergent cases)
• ‘Agitated or Excited Delirium’, ‘Acute Behavioural Disturbance’ and ‘Drug Induced Psychosis’ are some alternative terms that may be used by other agencies

Question 5

Olanzapine Special Considerations (Side Effects)

Answer 5

• Extrapyramidal effects / Dyskinesia
• Increased falls risk
• Hypotension – Apply monitoring as soon as practicable