Core pharmacology

Class Group

Second Generation Antipsychotics/Atypical (D2-Antagonism/5-HT2a)

Legacy Cicm Level

Level 3

Indications Uses

- Psychosis
- Bipolar and acute mania

Presentation

Oral wafer, tablet

Mechanism of action

D2 receptor antagonism, 5HT-R antagonism, H1-R/M-R/alpha1-R antagonism

Physiological effects

CVS: Orthostatic hypotension

CNS: Somnolence. Lowers seizure threshold

GIT: Dysphagia

Metabolic/Other: Hyperglycaemia and increased risk of developing diabetes

Absorption

Good oral absorption

Protein binding

98%

Metabolism

Hepatic metabolism. Smoking induces the CYP1A2 metabolism of olanzapine

Half-life

Terminal T1/2 is 33 hours