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Schizophrenia: The recommended starting dose for olanzapine is 10 mg/day.
Manic episode: The starting dose is 15 mg as a single daily dose in monotherapy or 10 mg daily in combination therapy (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
Preventing recurrence in bipolar disorder: The recommended starting dose is 10 mg/day.
For patients who have been receiving olanzapine for treatment of manic episode, continue therapy for preventing recurrence at the same dose. If a new manic, mixed, or depressive episode occurs, olanzapine treatment should be continued (with dose optimisation as needed), with supplementary therapy to treat mood symptoms, as clinically indicated.
During treatment for schizophrenia, manic episode and recurrence prevention in bipolar disorder, daily dosage may subsequently be adjusted on the basis of individual clinical status within the range 5-20 mg/day. An increase to a dose greater than the recommended starting dose is advised only after appropriate clinical reassessment and should generally occur at intervals of not less than 24 hours. Olanzapine can be given without regards for meals as absorption is not affected by food. Gradual tapering of the dose should be considered when discontinuing olanzapine.
Olanzapine orodispersible tablet should be placed in the mouth, where it will rapidly disperse in saliva, so it can be easily swallowed. Alternatively, it may be dispersed in a full glass of water or other suitable beverage (orange juice, apple juice, milk or coffee) immediately before administration. The orodispersible tablets should not be handled with wet hands as the tablets may break up.
Olanzapine orodispersible tablet is bioequivalent to olanzapine conventional tablets, with a similar rate and extent of absorption. It has the same dosage and frequency of administration as olanzapine conventional tablets. Olanzapine orodispersible tablets may be used as an alternative to olanzapine conventional tablets.
There is no experience in children.
Elderly patients: A lower starting dose (5 mg/day) is not routinely indicated but should be considered for those 65 and over when clinical factors warrant (see also Precautions).
Patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment: A lower starting dose (5 mg) should be considered for such patients. In cases of moderate hepatic insufficiency (cirrhosis, Child-Pugh Class A or B), the starting dose should be 5 mg and only increased with caution.
Gender: The starting dose and dose range need not be routinely altered for female patients relative to male patients.
Smokers: The starting dose and dose range need not be routinely altered for non-smokers relative to smokers. When more than one factor is present which might result in slower metabolism (female gender, geriatric age, non-smoking status), consideration should be given to decreasing the starting dose. Dose escalation, when indicated, should be conservative in such patients.
In cases where dose increments of 2.5 mg are considered necessary, Onzapin conventional tablets should be used. (See also Interactions and Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions.)
