Zuclopenthixol
(Synonyms: 珠氯噻醇,(Z)-Clopenthixol) 目录号 : GC45188A dopamine receptor antagonist
Cas No.:53772-83-1
Sample solution is provided at 25 µL, 10mM.
Quality Control & SDS
- View current batch:
- Purity: >98.00%
- COA (Certificate Of Analysis)
- SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
- Datasheet
Animal experiment: | Mice[1]Zuclopenthixol (0.025-0.4 mg/kg) is administered acutely or subchronically for 10 days, on agonistic behavior elicited by isolation in male mice. Individually housed mice are exposed to anosmic "standard opponents" 30 min after the drug administration, and encounters are videotaped and evaluated using an ethologically based analysis[1]. Rats[2]Male albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 200-250 g are used. They are kept in a temperature of 23-25°C with alternating 12-hour light and dark cycles and allowed free access to food and water. Animals are divided into six groups (n=6). Two groups receive two dose levels of Zuclopenthixol (0.7 and 1.4 mg/kg i.p.) 60 min and SCO (1.4 mg/kg i.p.) 30 min before decapitation. A third group of rats is injected with saline, with the same content of ethanol (20% v/v) and vegetable oil (2.8% v/v) in the test solution, 60 min and then SCO (1.4 mg/kg i.p.) 30 min before decapitation. The forth and fifth groups of rats receive two dose levels of Zuclopenthixol (0.7 and 1.4 mg/kg i.p.) 60 min and saline 30 min before decapitation. A control group of six animals is given saline, with the same content of ethanol (20% v/v) and vegetable oil (2.8% v/v) in the test solution, 60 min and then saline 30 min before decapitation and is run concurrently with drug-treated groups[2]. |
References: [1]. Manzaneque JM, et al. An ethopharmacological assessment of the effects of zuclopenthixol on agonistic interactions in male mice. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1999 Jan-Feb;21(1):11-5. |
Zuclopenthixol is a thioxanthene derivative which acts as a mixed dopamine D1/D2 receptor antagonist.
After acute treatment, Zuclopenthixol (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg)-treated animals exhibit ethopharmacological profiles characterized by a decrease in offensive behaviors without impairment of motor activity (0.2 mg/kg). In contrast, the antiaggressive action of the highest dose used (0.4 mg/kg) is accompanied by a marked increase of immobility. After subchronic treatment, no tolerance to Zuclopenthixol antiaggressive or motor activity is observed[1]. Administration of Zuclopenthixol (0.7 and 1.4 mg/kg) significantly elevate MDA level compared to respective controls. Nevertheless, there is no difference between the two dose levels with respect to their effect on rat brain MDA level. Post hoc pairwise comparisons between the means of groups (n=12) receiving different dose levels of Zuclopenthixol reveal that administration of 1.4 mg/kg of Zuclopenthixol significantly reduces GSH level compared to both vehicle-treated and Zuclopenthixol (0.7 mg/kg)-treated animals (P<0.001). Nevertheless, the lower dose of the drug does not affect rat brain GSH level. Animals receiving 0.7 or 1.4 mg/kg of Zuclopenthixol exhibits significantly higher GSH levels than SCO treated animals. Administration of 0.7 mg/kg of Zuclopenthixol significantly elevated GSHPx activity compared to vehicle treated animals[2].
References:
[1]. Manzaneque JM, et al. An ethopharmacological assessment of the effects of zuclopenthixol on agonistic interactions in male mice. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1999 Jan-Feb;21(1):11-5.
[2]. Khalifa AE, et al. Pro-oxidant activity of zuclopenthixol in vivo: differential effect of the drug on brain oxidative status of scopolamine-treated rats. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2004 Aug;23(9):439-45.
Cas No. | 53772-83-1 | SDF | |
别名 | 珠氯噻醇,(Z)-Clopenthixol | ||
Canonical SMILES | ClC1=CC2=C(C=C1)SC3=CC=CC=C3/C2=C/CCN4CCN(CCO)CC4 | ||
分子式 | C22H25ClN2OS | 分子量 | 401 |
溶解度 | DMF: 10 mg/ml,DMSO: 10 mg/ml,DMSO:PBS (pH 7.2) (1:1): 0.5 mg/ml,Ethanol: 2.5 mg/ml | 储存条件 | Store at -20°C |
General tips | 请根据产品在不同溶剂中的溶解度选择合适的溶剂配制储备液;一旦配成溶液,请分装保存,避免反复冻融造成的产品失效。 储备液的保存方式和期限:-80°C 储存时,请在 6 个月内使用,-20°C 储存时,请在 1 个月内使用。 为了提高溶解度,请将管子加热至37℃,然后在超声波浴中震荡一段时间。 |
||
Shipping Condition | 评估样品解决方案:配备蓝冰进行发货。所有其他可用尺寸:配备RT,或根据请求配备蓝冰。 |
制备储备液 | |||
1 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg | |
1 mM | 2.4938 mL | 12.4688 mL | 24.9377 mL |
5 mM | 0.4988 mL | 2.4938 mL | 4.9875 mL |
10 mM | 0.2494 mL | 1.2469 mL | 2.4938 mL |
第一步:请输入基本实验信息(考虑到实验过程中的损耗,建议多配一只动物的药量) | ||||||||||
给药剂量 | mg/kg | 动物平均体重 | g | 每只动物给药体积 | ul | 动物数量 | 只 | |||
第二步:请输入动物体内配方组成(配方适用于不溶于水的药物;不同批次药物配方比例不同,请联系GLPBIO为您提供正确的澄清溶液配方) | ||||||||||
% DMSO % % Tween 80 % saline | ||||||||||
计算重置 |
计算结果:
工作液浓度: mg/ml;
DMSO母液配制方法: mg 药物溶于 μL DMSO溶液(母液浓度 mg/mL,
体内配方配制方法:取 μL DMSO母液,加入 μL PEG300,混匀澄清后加入μL Tween 80,混匀澄清后加入 μL saline,混匀澄清。
1. 首先保证母液是澄清的;
2.
一定要按照顺序依次将溶剂加入,进行下一步操作之前必须保证上一步操作得到的是澄清的溶液,可采用涡旋、超声或水浴加热等物理方法助溶。
3. 以上所有助溶剂都可在 GlpBio 网站选购。
Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride for schizophrenia
Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017 Nov 16;11(11):CD005474.PMID:29144549DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD005474.pub2.
Background: Oral Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride (Clopixol) is an anti-psychotic treatment for people with psychotic symptoms, especially those with schizophrenia. It is associated with neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a prolongation of the QTc interval, extra-pyramidal reactions, venous thromboembolism and may modify insulin and glucose responses. Objectives: To determine the effects of Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride for treatment of schizophrenia. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Trials Register (latest search 09 June 2015). There were no language, date, document type, or publication status limitations for inclusion of records in the register. Selection criteria: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride for schizophrenia. We included trials meeting our inclusion criteria and reporting useable data. Data collection and analysis: We extracted data independently. For binary outcomes, we calculated risk ratio (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI), on an intention-to-treat basis. For continuous data, we estimated the mean difference (MD) between groups and its 95% CI. We employed a random-effect model for analyses. We assessed risk of bias for included studies and created 'Summary of findings' tables using GRADE. Main results: We included 20 trials, randomising 1850 participants. Data were reported for 12 comparisons, predominantly for the short term (up to 12 weeks) and inpatient populations. Overall risk of bias for included studies was low to unclear.Data were unavailable for many of our pre-stated outcomes of interest. No data were available, across all comparisons, for death, duration of stay in hospital and general functioning.Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride versus: 1. placeboMovement disorders (EPSEs) were similar between groups (1 RCT, n = 28, RR 6.07 95% CI 0.86 to 43.04 very low-quality evidence). There was no clear difference in numbers leaving the study early (2 RCTs, n = 100, RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.01 to 6.60, very low-quality evidence). 2. chlorpromazineNo clear differences were found for the outcomes of global state (average CGI-SI endpoint score) (1 RCT, n = 60, MD 0.00, 95% CI -0.49 to 0.49) or movement disorders (EPSEs) (3 RCTs, n = 199, RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.45), both very low-quality evidence. More people left the study early for any reason from the Zuclopenthixol group (6 RCTs, n = 766, RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.81, low-quality evidence). 3. chlorprothixeneThere was no clear difference in numbers leaving the study early for any reason (1 RCT, n = 20, RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.34 to 2.93, very low-quality evidence). 4. clozapineNo useable data were presented. 5. haloperidolNo clear differences between treatment groups were found for the outcomes global state score (average CGI endpoint score) (1 RCT, n = 49, MD 0.13, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.55) or leaving the study early (2 RCTs, n = 141, RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.35), both very low-quality evidence. 6. perphenazineThose receiving Zuclopenthixol were more likely to require medication in the short term for EPSEs than perphenazine (1 RCT, n = 50, RR 1.90, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.22, very low-quality evidence). Similar numbers left the study early (2 RCTs, n = 104, RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.47, very low-quality evidence). 7. risperidoneThose receiving Zuclopenthixol were more likely to require medications for EPSEs than risperidone (1 RCT, n = 98,RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.28, very low quality evidence). There was no clear difference in numbers leaving the study early ( 3 RCTs, n = 154, RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.84 to 2.02) or in mental state (average PANSS total endpoint score) (1 RCT, n = 25, MD -3.20, 95% CI -7.71 to 1.31), both very low-quality evidence). 8. sulpirideNo clear differences were found for global state (average CGI endpoint score) ( 1 RCT, n = 61, RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.49 to 2.85, very low-quality evidence), requiring hypnotics/sedatives (1 RCT, n = 61, RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.32, very low-quality evidence) or leaving the study early (1 RCT, n = 61, RR 2.07 95% CI 0.97 to 4.40, very low-quality evidence). 9. thiothixeneNo clear differences were found for the outcomes of 'global state (average CGI endpoint score) (1 RCT, n = 20, RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.46) or leaving the study early (1 RCT, n = 20, RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.35), both very low-quality evidence). 10. trifluoperazineNo useable data were presented. 11. Zuclopenthixol depotThere was no clear difference in numbers leaving the study early (1 RCT, n = 46, RR 1.95, 95% CI 0.36 to 10.58, very low-quality evidence). 12. Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride (cis z isomer) versus Zuclopenthixol (cis z/trans e isomer)There were no clear differences in reported side-effects ( 1 RCT, n = 57, RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.82 to 2.18, very low-quality evidence) and in numbers leaving the study early (4 RCTs, n = 140, RR 2.15, 95% CI 0.49 to 9.41, very low-quality evidence). Authors' conclusions: Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride appears to cause more EPSEs than clozapine, risperidone or perphenazine, but there was no difference in EPSEs when compared to placebo or chlorpromazine. Similar numbers required hypnotics/sedatives when Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride was compared to sulpiride, and similar numbers of reported side-effects were found when its isomers were compared. The other comparisons did not report adverse-effect data.Reported data indicate Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride demonstrates no difference in mental or global states compared to placebo, chlorpromazine, chlorprothixene, clozapine, haloperidol, perphenazine, sulpiride, thiothixene, trifluoperazine, depot and isomers. Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride, when compared with risperidone, is favoured when assessed using the PANSS in the short term, but not in the medium term.The data extracted from the included studies are mostly equivocal, and very low to low quality, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Prescribing practice is unlikely to change based on this meta-analysis. Recommending any particular course of action about side-effect medication other than monitoring, using rating scales and clinical assessment, and prescriptions on a case-by-case basis, is also not possible.There is a need for further studies covering this topic with more antipsychotic comparisons for currently relevant outcomes.
Zuclopenthixol versus placebo for schizophrenia
Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015 Dec 1;2015(12):CD010598.PMID:26624987DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD010598.pub2.
Background: Zuclopenthixol is an older antipsychotic that has three distinct formulations (Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride, Zuclopenthixol acetate or Acuphase and Zuclopenthixol decanoate). Although it has been in common use for many years no previous systematic review of its efficacy compared to placebo in schizophrenia has been undertaken. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of all formulations of Zuclopenthixol when compared with a placebo in schizophrenia. Search methods: On 6 November 2013 and 20 October 2015, we searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register, which is based on regular searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, BIOSIS, AMED, PubMed, PsycINFO, and registries of clinical trials. We also checked the references of all included studies and contacted authors of included studies for relevant studies and data. Selection criteria: We included all randomised controlled trials comparing Zuclopenthixol of any form with placebo for treatment of schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like psychoses. Data collection and analysis: We extracted and cross-checked data independently. We identified only a small number of studies so we cross checked all studies. We calculated fixed-effect relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous data. We analysed by intention-to-treat. Where possible we converted continuous outcomes into dichotomous outcomes. When this was not possible we used mean differences (MD) for continuous variables. We assessed risk of bias for included studies and used GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to create a 'Summary of findings' table. Main results: Only two studies, with a total of 65 participants, were eligible for inclusion in the review. Overall the quality of the two studies was low, with small study populations and significant sources of bias, so we were not able to use all the data in our comparisons. . The studies were old from 1968 and 1972, and would be unlikely to pass modern peer review standard. We were only able to find short-term data and only trials randomising Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride. We also hoped to identify data for Zuclopenthixol acetate versus placebo and Zuclopenthixol decanoate versus placebo comparisons. We were unable to identify any studies that included data on these two fairly widely used drugs.For our primary outcome of interest, clinically significant improvement, we found one study that provided useable data. Global state measured by clinical global impression scale (CGI) improvement showed different ratings when assessed by a psychiatrist or a nurse.The psychiatrist scores failed to achieve statistical significance, however when assessed by nursing staff, the difference favouring Zuclopenthixol did reach statistical significance (1 RCT n = 29, RR 2.57 95% CI 1.06 to 6.20, very low quality data). There was also evidence of increased sedation with those treated with Zuclopenthixol when compared with placebo (1 RCT n = 29, RR 4.67 95% CI 1.23 to 17.68, very low quality data). 'Leaving the study early' data were equivocal. No useable data were available for outcomes such as relapse, mental state, death, quality of life, service use or economic costs. Authors' conclusions: For people with schizophrenia this review shows that Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride may help with the symptoms of schizophrenia. The review provides some trial evidence that, if taking Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride, people may experience some adverse effects and sedation compared with placebo. However this evidence is of very low quality and with some significant sources of bias. There are no data for Zuclopenthixol decanoate or Zuclopenthixol acetate.For clinicians, the available trial data on the absolute effectiveness of Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride do support its use but the limited nature of the data and significant sources of bias make conclusions hard to draw. Zuclopenthixol in all three forms is a commonly used antipsychotic and it is disappointing that there are so few data regarding its use.
Comparative efficacy and tolerability of 32 oral antipsychotics for the acute treatment of adults with multi-episode schizophrenia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Lancet 2019 Sep 14;394(10202):939-951.PMID:31303314DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31135-3.
Background: Schizophrenia is one of the most common, burdensome, and costly psychiatric disorders in adults worldwide. Antipsychotic drugs are its treatment of choice, but there is controversy about which agent should be used. We aimed to compare and rank antipsychotics by quantifying information from randomised controlled trials. Methods: We did a network meta-analysis of placebo-controlled and head-to-head randomised controlled trials and compared 32 antipsychotics. We searched Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, BIOSIS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception to Jan 8, 2019. Two authors independently selected studies and extracted data. We included randomised controlled trials in adults with acute symptoms of schizophrenia or related disorders. We excluded studies in patients with treatment resistance, first episode, predominant negative or depressive symptoms, concomitant medical illnesses, and relapse-prevention studies. Our primary outcome was change in overall symptoms measured with standardised rating scales. We also extracted data for eight efficacy and eight safety outcomes. Differences in the findings of the studies were explored in metaregressions and sensitivity analyses. Effect size measures were standardised mean differences, mean differences, or risk ratios with 95% credible intervals (CrIs). Confidence in the evidence was assessed using CINeMA (Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis). The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42014014919. Findings: We identified 54 417 citations and included 402 studies with data for 53 463 participants. Effect size estimates suggested all antipsychotics reduced overall symptoms more than placebo (although not statistically significant for six drugs), with standardised mean differences ranging from -0·89 (95% CrI -1·08 to -0·71) for clozapine to -0·03 (-0·59 to 0·52) for levomepromazine (40 815 participants). Standardised mean differences compared with placebo for reduction of positive symptoms (31 179 participants) varied from -0·69 (95% CrI -0·86 to -0·52) for amisulpride to -0·17 (-0·31 to -0·04) for brexpiprazole, for negative symptoms (32 015 participants) from -0·62 (-0·84 to -0·39; clozapine) to -0·10 (-0·45 to 0·25; flupentixol), for depressive symptoms (19 683 participants) from -0·90 (-1·36 to -0·44; sulpiride) to 0·04 (-0·39 to 0·47; flupentixol). Risk ratios compared with placebo for all-cause discontinuation (42 672 participants) ranged from 0·52 (0·12 to 0·95; clopenthixol) to 1·15 (0·36 to 1·47; pimozide), for sedation (30 770 participants) from 0·92 (0·17 to 2·03; pimozide) to 10·20 (4·72 to 29·41; Zuclopenthixol), for use of antiparkinson medication (24 911 participants) from 0·46 (0·19 to 0·88; clozapine) to 6·14 (4·81 to 6·55; pimozide). Mean differences compared to placebo for weight gain (28 317 participants) ranged from -0·16 kg (-0·73 to 0·40; ziprasidone) to 3·21 kg (2·10 to 4·31; zotepine), for prolactin elevation (21 569 participants) from -77·05 ng/mL (-120·23 to -33·54; clozapine) to 48·51 ng/mL (43·52 to 53·51; paliperidone) and for QTc prolongation (15 467 participants) from -2·21 ms (-4·54 to 0·15; lurasidone) to 23·90 ms (20·56 to 27·33; sertindole). Conclusions for the primary outcome did not substantially change after adjusting for possible effect moderators or in sensitivity analyses (eg, when excluding placebo-controlled studies). The confidence in evidence was often low or very low. Interpretation: There are some efficacy differences between antipsychotics, but most of them are gradual rather than discrete. Differences in side-effects are more marked. These findings will aid clinicians in balancing risks versus benefits of those drugs available in their countries. They should consider the importance of each outcome, the patients' medical problems, and preferences. Funding: German Ministry of Education and Research and National Institute for Health Research.
Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride for schizophrenia
Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005 Oct 19;(4):CD005474.PMID:16235403DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD005474.
Background: Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride, given orally, is commonly used for managing the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia. Objectives: To determine the effects of Zuclopenthixol dhydrochloride for treatment of schizophrenia. Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's register (December 2004). This register is compiled of methodical searches of BIOSIS, CINAHL, Dissertation abstracts, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE, PSYNDEX, PsycINFO, RUSSMED, Sociofile, supplemented with hand searching of relevant journals and numerous conference proceedings. To identify further trials we also contacted a pharmaceutical company and authors of relevant studies. Selection criteria: We included all randomised controlled trials comparing Zuclopenthixol dihydrocodine with antipsychotics or with placebo (or no intervention) for treatment of schizophrenia and/or schizophrenia-like psychoses. Data collection and analysis: We independently inspected citations and abstracts, ordered papers, re-inspected and quality assessed articles and extracted data. For dichotomous data we calculated relative risks (RR) and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) and the number needed to treat (NNT) or number needed to harm statistics. For continuous data we calculated weighted mean differences with 95% CIs for non-skewed data. Main results: We included eighteen trials involving 1578 people. Two trials compared Zuclopenthixol with placebo and neither reported global or mental state outcomes. People allocated Zuclopenthixol did have increased risk of experiencing extraparamydal symptoms compared with placebo (n=64, RR 5.37, CI 1.12 to 29.34 NNH 2 CI 2 to 31). Ten short trials (total n=478) compared Zuclopenthixol with other typical antipsychotics. Risk of being unchanged or worse was decreased by allocation to Zuclopenthixol (n=357, 7 RCTs, RR 0.72 CI 0.53 to 0.98, NNT 10 CI 6 to 131). No findings suggest any clear difference between Zuclopenthixol and other typical antipsycotics across a whole range of adverse effects, including movement disorders (n=280, 6 RCTs, RR needing additional antiparkinsonian medication 1.07 CI 0.86 to 1.33) and general agitation (n=162, 3 RCTs, RR needing treatment with hypnotic/sedative drugs 1.09 CI 0.76 to 1.56). Fewer people allocated Zuclopenthixol left in the short term compared with those given other typical antipsychotics (n=424, 22% vs 30%, 8 RCTs, RR 0.70 CI 0.51 to 0.95, NNT 12 CI 7 to 67). Three short trials (total n=233) compared Zuclopenthixol with atypical antipsychotics. Zuclopenthixol was associated with no greater risk of being unchanged or worse compared with risperidone (n=98, 1 RCT, RR 1.30 CI 0.80 to 2.11). People allocated Zuclopenthixol were prescribed antiparkinsonian medication more frequently compared to those treated with risperidone (n=98, 1 RCT, RR 1.92 CI 1.12 to 3.28, NNH 3 CI 3 to 17). Weight gain was equal for people allocated Zuclopenthixol and those given sulpiride (n=61, 1 RCT, WMD 1.60 CI 8.35 to 5.15). Many people left these short studies early (45% Zuclopenthixol vs 30% risperidone, n=159, 2 RCTs, RR 1.48 CI 0.98 to 2.22). The two isomers of Zuclopenthixol, when compared in four short studies (total n=140), did not result in clearly different outcomes. Authors' conclusions: There is an indication that Zuclopenthixol causes movement disorders, perhaps more so than the newer generation of drugs, though no more frequently than the older generation of antipsychotics. There is some suggestion from this review that oral Zuclopenthixol may have some clinical advantage, at least in the short term, over other older drugs in terms of global state. If an older drug is going to be prescribed, Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride is a viable option but may be best taken with additional medication to offset movement disorders that occur in about half the people taking this drug. There is no information on service, functional, behavioural outcomes and important outcomes such as relapse, for such a widely used drug this would indicate the need for further studies. We feel that it should remain a choice in the treatment of those for whom older generation drugs are indicated.
Zuclopenthixol decanoate for schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses
Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;1999(2):CD001164.PMID:10796607DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD001164.
Background: There is a clear link between stopping antipsychotic medications and a relapse of psychotic symptoms. A series of long-acting intra-muscular preparations has been developed since the 1960s in the hope of reducing the frequency of relapse and, hence, overall disability. These depot preparations, active for weeks at a time, are frequently used for those who find taking oral medication on a regular basis difficult or unacceptable. It has, however, been a consistent concern that any reduction in relapse rate afforded by depot preparations may be offset by an increase in adverse effects such as drug-induced movement disorders. Objectives: To compare Zuclopenthixol decanoate to oral Zuclopenthixol and other antipsychotic preparations for the treatment of schizophrenia and similar serious mental illness. Search strategy: Electronic searches of Biological Abstracts (1982-1998), CINAHL (1982-1998), The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 1998), The Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Register (April 1998), EMBASE (1980-1998), MEDLINE (1966-1998), and PsycLIT (1974-1998) were searched. References of all eligible studies were searched for further trials. The manufacturer of Zuclopenthixol was contacted. Selection criteria: Inclusion criteria were that the clinical study should be randomised, focus on people with schizophrenia or other serious mental illness with psychotic symptoms, and compare the use of Zuclopenthixol decanoate to oral Zuclopenthixol or other antipsychotic preparations. Data collection and analysis: Data was extracted independently by two reviewers (EC, MF). Authors of trials were contacted for additional and missing data. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of homogenous dichotomous data were calculated with the Peto method. Where possible the number needed to treat (NNT) and its 95% confidence interval was also calculated. Main results: Four studies relating to Zuclopenthixol decanoate were included. All compared Zuclopenthixol decanoate with other depot preparations. Zuclopenthixol decanoate prevented or postponed relapses when compared to other depots (NNT 8, CI 5-53). However, Zuclopenthixol decanoate may induce more adverse effects (NNH 5, CI 3-31) although it decreases need for anticholinergic medication when compared to a group of other depot preparations (NNT 9, CI 5-38). For the risk of leaving the study early, there was also a trend for benefit to those allocated to Zuclopenthixol decanoate. None of the studies reported outcomes on service utilisation, costs, or quality of life. Reviewer's conclusions: Choice of which depot to use must always take into account clinical judgement and the preferences of the recipients of care and their carers. Limited trial data suggests, however, that there are real differences between Zuclopenthixol decanoate and other depots and these differences largely favour the former. This review highlights the need for good controlled clinical trials to fully address the effects of Zuclopenthixol decanoate for those with schizophrenia. Future studies should report service utilisation data, as well as satisfaction with care and economic outcomes. Duration of such trials should be of a longer duration than the included studies (12 months or more).