Patient/caregiver was educated on the contraindications of using Olanzapine as follows:
- Olanzapine can interact with many antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, antiarrhythmic medications, antidepressants, and other antipsychotic medications, resulting in development or aggravation of underlying cardiac arrhythmias, leading to debility and sudden cardiac death. Avoid taking olanzapine along with medications belonging to the above-mentioned groups, to prevent any dangerous arrhythmias from developing.
- Olanzapine must be cautiously used in individuals with history of seizure disorder, as olanzapine intake carries the risk of lowering the threshold for seizures, thereby, resulting in seizure activity.
- Olanzapine is extensively metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of olanzapine can be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, olanzapine could be avoided in individuals with hepatic dysfunction and an alternative medication considered or used with caution, with periodical monitoring for liver functions and development of any toxic symptoms.
