ZUCLOPENTHIXOL ACETATE (5-PERCENT IN VISCOLEO) - SINGLE-DOSE TREATMENT FOR ACUTELY DISTURBED PSYCHOTIC-PATIENTS

Twenty-five acutely disturbed psychotic patients were treated in an open study with a single injection of zuclopenthixol acetate 5% in 'Viscoleo', a thin vegetable oil. Patients were assessed post-injection for 3 days using the BPRS, CGI, and a specially designed behaviour/activity scale. Doses of 50 to ISO mg proved effective in 24 (96%) of 25 patients, with pronounced and rapid reduction in psychotic symptoms over the study period. The mean total BPRS score after 72 hours was reduced by over 57%. Tranquillization and sedation appeared within 15 to 90 minutes of injection. Unwanted symptoms were generally mildandoflow incidence. The results showed that a single injection of zuclopenthixol acetate 5% in 'Viscoleo' provided rapid tranquillization and sedation coupled with an antipsychotic effect over 3 days. This profile offers a distinct advantage over neuroleptic preparations conventionally used for the initial treatment of acutely disturbed psychotic patients. © 1990 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.