Is Clopixol affected by genetics?

Yes — the active ingredient is metabolized by a gene known to vary between individuals.

Relevant genes: CYP2D6

Clopixol is affected by pharmacogenetics through the CYP2D6 gene. Your genotype for this gene can change how your body processes Clopixol, which can affect both how well it works and how well you tolerate it. The strongest evidence level on this page is Moderate, based on CPIC or FDA guidelines.

What's in Clopixol

zuclopenthixol affected by CYP2D6

Affected by CYP2D6 · DPWG · Moderate evidence

Read the full zuclopenthixol genetics guide →

Zuclopenthixol phenotype recommendations

Published guidance from DPWG on how zuclopenthixol should be dosed or substituted based on your CYP2D6 phenotype.

Phenotype	What it means	Recommendation	Evidence
Ultrarapid Metabolizer CYP2D6	Your body clears zuclopenthixol faster than average, which may reduce its effectiveness. Your clinician may raise the dose or switch you to a different antipsychotic.	DPWG Insufficient data to make a firm dosage recommendation. If effectiveness is insufficient, try a dose increase — do not exceed 1.5 times the normal dose. Alternatively, consider an antipsychotic that is not metabolised (or to a lesser extent) by CYP2D6 (e.g., flupentixol, quetiapine, olanzapine, clozapine).	Moderate
Normal Metabolizer CYP2D6	Your CYP2D6 activity is typical; standard zuclopenthixol dosing applies.	DPWG Use standard zuclopenthixol dosing.	Moderate
Intermediate Metabolizer CYP2D6	Your body clears zuclopenthixol more slowly than average, which raises the concentration in your blood and increases side effect risk. A modestly lower dose is typically recommended.	DPWG Use 75% of the normal dose.	Moderate
Poor Metabolizer CYP2D6	Your body clears zuclopenthixol slowly, which substantially raises the concentration in your blood. A lower dose is typically recommended.	DPWG Use 50% of the normal dose.	Moderate
Indeterminate CYP2D6	We were not able to determine your CYP2D6 metabolism status, so we cannot personalize guidance for zuclopenthixol.	DPWG Use standard zuclopenthixol dosing and monitor response.	—
Not available CYP2D6	We do not have a CYP2D6 result for you, so we cannot personalize guidance for zuclopenthixol.	DPWG Use standard zuclopenthixol dosing and monitor response.	—

Source: DPWG

The gene behind the guidance

CYP2D6 Cytochrome P450 2D6

CYP2D6 is the most clinically important pharmacogene. It metabolizes around a quarter of all prescription drugs, including many antidepressants, opioids, and stimulants. The gene is unusually variable: roughly 7 percent of people are poor metabolizers (they barely activate CYP2D6), and another 1 to 3 percent are ultrarapid metabolizers (their enzyme is overactive).

For most CYP2D6 drugs, poor metabolizers feel stronger effects and more side effects at standard doses, while ultrarapid metabolizers may feel almost nothing. For prodrugs like codeine, the relationship flips: poor metabolizers feel less effect because they can't activate the drug.

See all drugs affected by CYP2D6 →

Browse the full drug-class: Antipsychotics.

Related medications

Find out how your genetics affect Clopixol

This page describes the general pharmacogenetics. A Gene2Rx report analyzes your own DNA to tell you which metabolizer group you fall into, across every medication.

Get your report Look up another medication

Informational only — not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidance describes population-level patterns; your individual response depends on many factors. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.