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Quick facts
- How it is given
- oral
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 312743
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for the treatment of: Schizophrenia ( 1.1 ) Bipolar I disorder manic episodes ( 1.2 ) Bipolar disorder, depressive episodes ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Schizophrenia Quetiapine is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia. The efficacy of quetiapine in schizophrenia was established in three 6-week trials in adults and one 6-week trial in adolescents (13 to 17 years). The effectiveness of quetiapine for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia has not been systematically evaluated in controlled clinical trials [ see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. 1.2 Bipolar Disorder Quetiapine is indicated for the acute treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, both as monotherapy and as an adjunct to lithium or divalproex. Efficacy was established in two 12-week monotherapy trials in adults, in one 3-week adjunctive trial in adults, and in one 3-week monotherapy trial in pediatric patients (10 to 17 years) [ see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. Quetiapine is indicated as monotherapy for the acute treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Efficacy was established in two 8-week monotherapy trials in adult patients with bipolar I and bipolar II disorder [ see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. Quetiapine is indicated for the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder, as an adjunct to lithium or divalproex. Efficacy was established in two maintenance trials in adults. The effectiveness of quetiapine as monotherapy for the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder has not been systematically evaluated in controlled clinical trials [ see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. 1.3 Special Considerations in Treating Pediatric Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder Pediatric schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder are serious mental disorders, however, diagnosis can be challenging. For pediatric schizophrenia, symptom profiles can be variable, and for bipolar I disorder, patients may have variable patterns of periodicity of manic or mixed symptoms. […]
About this medicine
Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic belonging to a chemical class, the dibenzothiazepine derivatives. The chemical designation is 2-[2-(4-dibenzo [ b,f ] [1,4]thiazepin-11-yl-1-piperazinyl) ethoxy]-ethanol fumarate (2:1) (salt). It is present in tablets as the fumarate salt. All doses and tablet strengths are expressed as milligrams of base, not as fumarate salt. Its molecular formula is C 42 H 50 N 6 O 4 S 2 •C 4 H 4 O 4 and it has a molecular weight of 883.11 (fumarate salt). The structural formula is: Quetiapine fumarate USP is a white to off-white crystalline powder which is moderately soluble in water. Quetiapine tablets, USP is supplied for oral administration as 25 mg (round peach), 50 mg (round, white), 100 mg (round yellow), 150 mg (round, off white to light yellow), 200 mg (round, white), 300 mg (capsule-shaped, white), and 400 mg (capsule-shaped, yellow) tablets. Inactive ingredients are povidone, dibasic dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol and titanium dioxide. The 25 mg tablets contain red iron oxide and yellow iron oxide and the 100 mg, 150 mg and 400 mg tablets contain only yellow iron oxide. Each 25 mg tablet contains 28.78 mg of quetiapine fumarate USP equivalent to 25 mg quetiapine. Each 50 mg tablet contains 57.56 mg of quetiapine fumarate USP equivalent to 50 mg quetiapine. Each 100 mg tablet contains 115.13 mg of quetiapine fumarate USP equivalent to 100 mg quetiapine. Each 150 mg tablet contains 172.70 mg of quetiapine fumarate USP equivalent to 150 mg quetiapine. Each 200 mg tablet contains 230.27 mg of quetiapine fumarate USP equivalent to 200 mg quetiapine. Each 300 mg tablet contains 345.40 mg of quetiapine fumarate USP equivalent to 300 mg quetiapine. Each 400 mg tablet contains 460.54 mg of quetiapine fumarate USP equivalent to 400 mg quetiapine.
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of quetiapine in the listed indications is unclear. However, the efficacy of quetiapine in these indications could be mediated through a combination of dopamine type 2 (D 2 ) and serotonin type 2 (5HT 2 ) antagonism. The active metabolite, N-desalkyl quetiapine (norquetiapine), has similar activity at D 2 , but greater activity at 5HT2A receptors, than the parent drug (quetiapine).
Who should not take it
Hypersensitivity to quetiapine or to any excipients in the quetiapine formulation. Anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with quetiapine. Known hypersensitivity to quetiapine or any components in the formulation. ( 4 )
Warnings and cautions
· Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions: Increased incidence of cerebrovascular adverse reactions (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack) has been seen in elderly patients with dementia-related psychoses treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs ( 5.3 ) · Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): Manage with immediate discontinuation and close monitoring ( 5.4 ) · Metabolic Changes: Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic changes. These metabolic changes include hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and weight gain ( 5.5 ) · Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus: Monitor patients for symptoms of hyperglycemia including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness. Monitor glucose regularly in patients with diabetes or at risk for diabetes · Dyslipidemia: Undesirable alterations have been observed in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. Appropriate clinical monitoring is recommended, including fasting blood lipid testing at the beginning of, and periodically, during treatment · Weight Gain: Gain in body weight has been observed; clinical monitoring of weight is recommended · Tardive Dyskinesia: Discontinue if clinically appropriate ( 5.6 ) · Hypotension: Use with caution in patients with known cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease ( 5.7 ) · Increased Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents: Monitor blood pressure at the beginning of, and periodically during treatment in children and adolescents ( 5.9 ) · Leukopenia, Neutropenia and Agranulocytosis: Monitor complete blood count frequently during the first few months of treatment in patients with a pre-existing low white cell count or a history of leukopenia/neutropenia and discontinue quetiapine at the first sign of a decline in WBC in absence of other causative factors ( 5.10 ) · Cataracts: Lens changes have been observed in patients during long-term quetiapine treatment. […]
Reported side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Cerebrovascular adverse reactions, including stroke in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 )] Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 )] Metabolic changes (hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, weight gain) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5 )] Tardive dyskinesia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6 )] Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 )] Falls [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Increases in blood pressure (children and adolescents) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Leukopenia, neutropenia and agranulocytosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Cataracts [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Hypothyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )] Hyperprolactinemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15 )] Potential for cognitive and motor impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.16 )] Body temperature regulation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.17 )] Dysphagia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.18 )] Discontinuation Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.19 )] Anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) Effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.20 )] • Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and twice placebo): Adults: somnolence, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, asthenia, abdominal pain, postural hypotension, pharyngitis, weight gain, lethargy, ALT increased, dyspepsia ( 6.1 ) • Children and Adolescents: somnolence, dizziness, fatigue, increased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, tachycardia, weight increased ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ascend Laboratories, LLC at 1-877-ASC-RX01 (877-272-7901) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Study Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely vary […]
Interactions with other medicines
Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Reduce quetiapine dose to one sixth when coadministered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) ( 2.5 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inducers: Increase quetiapine dose up to 5 fold when used in combination with a chronic treatment (more than 7-14 days) of potent CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., phenytoin, rifampin, St. John’s wort) ( 2.6 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) Discontinuation of strong CYP3A4 inducers: Reduce quetiapine dose by 5-fold within 7-14 days of discontinuation of CYP3A4 inducers ( 2.6 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on Quetiapine The risks of using quetiapine in combination with other drugs have not been extensively evaluated in systematic studies. Given the primary CNS effects of quetiapine, caution should be used when it is taken in combination with other centrally acting drugs. Quetiapine potentiated the cognitive and motor effects of alcohol in a clinical trial in subjects with selected psychotic disorders, and alcoholic beverages should be limited while taking quetiapine. Quetiapine exposure is increased by the prototype CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, indinavir, ritonavir, nefazodone, etc.) and decreased by the prototype CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, avasimibe, St. John’s wort etc.). Dose adjustment of quetiapine will be necessary if it is co-administered with potent CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors. CYP3A4 inhibitors: Coadministration of ketoconazole, a potent inhibitor of cytochrome CYP3A4, resulted in significant increase in quetiapine exposure. The dose of quetiapine should be reduced to one sixth of the original dose if co-administered with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . CYP3A4 inducers: Coadministration of quetiapine and phenytoin, a CYP3A4 inducer increased the mean oral clearance of quetiapine by 5- fold. […]
Use in specific groups
· Pregnancy: May cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms in neonates with third trimester exposure. ( 8.1 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to atypical antipsychotics, including quetiapine tablets, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by contacting the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or online at http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/ . Risk Summary Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs ( including quetiapine tablet) during the third trimester are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery (see Clinical Considerations). Overall available data from published epidemiologic studies of pregnant women exposed to quetiapine have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data). There are risks to the mother associated with untreated schizophrenia, bipolar I, or major depressive disorder, and with exposure to antipsychotics, including, quetiapine tablet during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations) . In animal studies, embryo-fetal toxicity occurred including delays in skeletal ossification at approximately 1 and 2 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 800 mg/day in both rats and rabbits, and an increased incidence of carpal/tarsal flexure (minor soft tissue anomaly) in rabbit fetuses at approximately 2 times the MRHD. In addition, fetal weights were decreased in both species. Maternal toxicity (observed as decreased body weights and/or death) occurred at 2 times the MRHD in rats and approximately 1-2 times the MRHD in rabbits. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. […]
If too much is taken
10.1 Human Experience In clinical trials, survival has been reported in acute overdoses of up to 30 grams of quetiapine. Most patients who overdosed experienced no adverse reactions or recovered fully from the reported reactions. Death has been reported in a clinical trial following an overdose of 13.6 grams of quetiapine alone. In general, reported signs and symptoms were those resulting from an exaggeration of the drug’s known pharmacological effects, i.e., drowsiness, sedation, tachycardia, hypotension, and anticholinergic toxicity including coma and delirium. Patients with pre-existing severe cardiovascular disease may be at an increased risk of the effects of overdose [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )]. One case, involving an estimated overdose of 9,600 mg, was associated with hypokalemia and first- degree heart block. In post-marketing experience, there were cases reported of QT prolongation with overdose. 10.2 Management of Overdosage Establish and maintain an airway and ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Cardiovascular monitoring should commence immediately and should include continuous electrocardiographic monitoring to detect possible arrhythmias. Appropriate supportive measures are the mainstay of management. For the most up-to-date information on the management of quetiapine overdosage, contact a certified Regional Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222).
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This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 27 June 2025. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.