Clozapine is a dibenzodiazepine that is used atypical antipsychotic drug. Clozapine-induced cytotoxicity could be attributed to increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) that oxidize mitochondrial proteins and disrupt cellular respiration. L-Carnitine (4-N-trimethylammonium-3-hydroxybutyric acid) is an endogenous mitochondrial membrane compound that is essential for the normal functions of mitochondria. L-Carnitine is an effective ROS scavenger that prevents lipid peroxidation. In an animal study, it was observed that clozapine decrease L-Carnitine level in plasma which results in metabolic disorders. Subsequently, the use of supplementation L-Carnitine was recommended to attenuate clozapine-induced side effects. An in-vitro study investigated the cytotoxic effects of clozapine on human lymphocytes and the possible protective role of L-Carnitine, the results revealed that clozapine-induced cytotoxicity attributed to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction which significantly improved upon L-Carnitine administration. In clinical toxicology, acute clozapine toxicity results in significant morbidities and mortalities in absence of a specific antidote. Therefore, it is essential to adopt pharmaceutical intervention based on the proposed mechanism of clozapine-induced cytotoxicity. The objective of the current research is to assess the potential beneficial effects of L-Carnitine on the acute clozapine poisoning outcome. The study will include patients with moderate and severe acute clozapine poisoning. The patient's condition will be assessed on admission using a Poisoning Severity Score. Patients with acute clozapine poisoning will be assigned randomly into two groups; the Conventional group and the L-Carnitine group. Then, all patients will be closely followed up for vital signs, Glasgow Coma Scale, and Electrocardiogram. Clinical and laboratory reassessments will be performed. Lastly, the outcomes will be assessed and statistical analysis of the results will be performed. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University. This Ethics Committee is constituted and operates according to ICH GCP Guidelines and applicable local and institutional regulations and guidelines that govern the Ethics Committees operation. Written informed consent will be obtained from clozapine-intoxicated patients or their guardians (minors or those with disturbed mental status). Full details regarding the study's aim and procedures will be provided to all participants. A code number will be assigned to ensure confidentiality and anonymous analysis of data.
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Mortality
Timeframe: up to 14 days
Neurotoxicity
Timeframe: up to 14 days
Cardiotoxicity
Timeframe: up to 14 days