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Olanzapine

Generic Name
Olanzapine
Brand Names
Lybalvi, Olazax, Symbyax, Zalasta, Zypadhera, Zyprexa, Olanzapine Glenmark Europe, Olanzapine Apotex, Olanzapine Teva, Olazax Disperzi, Olanzapine Mylan, Zyprexa Velotab, Olanzapine Glenmark, Olanzapine Viatris (previously Olanzapine Mylan)
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C17H20N4S
CAS Number
132539-06-1
Unique Ingredient Identifier
N7U69T4SZR

Overview

Olanzapine is a thienobenzodiazepine classified as an atypical or second-generation antipsychotic agent. The second-generation antipsychotics were introduced in the 90s and quickly gained traction due to their impressive efficacy, reduced risk for extrapyramidal side effects and reduced susceptibility to drug-drug interactions. Olanzapine very closely resembles clozapine and only differs by two additional methyl groups and the absence of a chloride moiety. It was discovered by scientists at Eli Lilly and approved to be marketed in the US in 1996.

Indication

Olanzapine was initially used orally and intramuscularly for the chronic treatment of schizophrenia in patients over 13 years old and other psychiatric disorders such as bipolar I disorder including mixed or manic episodes. Olanzapine is also indicated, in combination with lithium or valproate for the short-term treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults. As well, olanzapine is indicated, in combination with fluoxetine for the treatment of episodes of depression associated with bipolar disorder type 1 and treatment-resistant depression in patients over 10 years old. Olanzapine is also approved for the management of psychomotor agitation associated with schizophrenia and bipolar I mania. Schizophrenia is a complex biochemical brain disorder that affects the person's ability to differentiate reality. It is usually observed as the presence of delusions, hallucinations, social withdrawal and disturbed thinking. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition defined by periods of extreme mood disturbances. It is categorized in different types from which type 1 is known to involve episodes of severe mania and often depression while type 2 presents less severe forms of mania. Olanzapine is also indicated in combination with samidorphan for the treatment of bipolar I disorder, either as an adjunct to lithium or valproate or as monotherapy for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes or as maintenance therapy, and for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.

Associated Conditions

  • Acute Agitation
  • Bipolar 1 Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder With Manic or Mixed Episodes
  • Delirium
  • Delusional Parasitosis
  • Depressive Episodes
  • Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome
  • Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode
  • Mixed manic depressive episode
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Psychosis
  • Schizophrenia
  • Acute Manic episode

Research Report

Published: Jul 14, 2025

Olanzapine (DB00334): A Comprehensive Pharmacological and Clinical Monograph

I. Introduction and Drug Identification

1.1. Overview and Classification

Olanzapine is a potent, second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic (SGA) agent that has become a cornerstone in the management of severe and persistent psychiatric disorders, most notably schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.[1] Chemically, it is classified as a thienobenzodiazepine derivative, a structural class it shares with its predecessor, clozapine.[1] This structural heritage is fundamental to understanding its clinical profile, as it foreshadows both its broad, clozapine-like efficacy and some of its significant metabolic liabilities.[4]

Reflecting its complex pharmacology, olanzapine is also categorized as a Multi-Acting Receptor Targeted Antipsychotic (MARTA). This designation highlights its mechanism of action, which involves simultaneous antagonism at a wide array of neurotransmitter receptors, including dopamine, serotonin, histamine, adrenergic, and muscarinic receptors.[1] This broad receptor-binding profile is responsible for its therapeutic effects across different symptom domains as well as its extensive side-effect profile.

1.2. Historical Context and Development

Developed by scientists at Eli Lilly and Company under the internal code LY170053, olanzapine was patented in 1991 and received its initial approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996.[4] Its development was a direct and strategic effort to engineer a novel antipsychotic with the superior efficacy of clozapine but without the associated risk of life-threatening agranulocytosis, a severe adverse effect that necessitates rigorous hematological monitoring and limits clozapine's use.[5]

Continue reading the full research report

Clinical Trials

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Title
Posted
Study ID
Phase
Status
Sponsor
2014/05/14
Phase 4
Completed
2014/05/02
Phase 2
Completed
2014/04/17
Phase 3
Completed
2014/03/27
Phase 2
Completed
2014/03/14
Phase 2
Terminated
Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim
2014/01/31
Phase 1
Completed
Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim
2013/11/27
Phase 1
Completed
2013/11/27
Phase 1
Completed
2013/11/21
Not Applicable
Completed
University of Turin, Italy
2013/11/06
Phase 3
Completed

FDA Drug Approvals

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Approved Product
Manufacturer
NDC Code
Route
Strength
Effective Date
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd.
55111-168
ORAL
20 mg in 1 1
11/27/2019
Aurobindo Pharma Limited
65862-657
ORAL
10 mg in 1 1
5/3/2020
REMEDYREPACK INC.
70518-2299
ORAL
10 mg in 1 1
2/28/2024
Eli Lilly and Company
0002-3230
ORAL
3 mg in 1 1
12/23/2021
REMEDYREPACK INC.
70518-2698
ORAL
5 mg in 1 1
3/5/2024
American Health Packaging
68084-525
ORAL
2.5 mg in 1 1
10/4/2022
Golden State Medical Supply, Inc.
60429-622
ORAL
7.5 mg in 1 1
8/8/2023
Major Pharmaceuticals
0904-6376
ORAL
10 mg in 1 1
11/21/2019
Golden State Medical Supply, Inc.
60429-624
ORAL
15 mg in 1 1
8/8/2023
Apotex Corp.
60505-3277
ORAL
15 mg in 1 1
12/4/2023

EMA Drug Approvals

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NMPA Drug Approvals

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PPB Drug Approvals

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Health Canada Drug Approvals

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Approved Product
Company
DIN
Dosage Form
Strength
Market Date
RIVA-OLANZAPINE ODT
laboratoire riva inc.
02339846
Tablet (Orally Disintegrating) - Oral
15 MG
2/17/2010
SANDOZ OLANZAPINE
02310341
Tablet - Oral
2.5 MG
12/6/2009
PHL-OLANZAPINE
pharmel inc
02307448
Tablet - Oral
10 MG
2/18/2010
RAN-OLANZAPINE IR
ranbaxy pharmaceuticals canada inc.
02429640
Tablet - Oral
20 MG
N/A
OLANZAPINE
sanis health inc
02372819
Tablet - Oral
2.5 MG
10/26/2011
OLANZAPINE ODT
sanis health inc
02352982
Tablet (Orally Disintegrating) - Oral
10 MG
10/7/2011
OLANZAPINE
02419416
Tablet - Oral
10 MG
N/A
NRA-OLANZAPINE ODT
nora pharma inc
02536218
Tablet (Orally Disintegrating) - Oral
15 MG
4/8/2024
OLANZAPINE
02419432
Tablet - Oral
20 MG
N/A
OLANZAPINE
Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Company
02343843
Tablet - Oral
7.5 MG
N/A

CIMA AEMPS Drug Approvals

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Approved Product
Company
Registration Number
Pharmaceutical Form
Prescription Type
Status
OLAZAX 5 MG COMPRIMIDOS EFG
109597001
COMPRIMIDO
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA NORMON 20 MG COMPRIMIDOS BUCODISPERSABLES EFG
Laboratorios Normon S.A.
77420
COMPRIMIDO BUCODISPERSABLE
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA FLAS ARISTO 10 mg COMPRIMIDOS BUCODISPERSABLES EFG
Aristo Pharma Iberia S.L.
73684
COMPRIMIDO BUCODISPERSABLE
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA MABO 2,5 mg COMPRIMIDOS RECUBIERTOS CON PELICULA EFG
Mabo Farma S.A.
71331
COMPRIMIDO RECUBIERTO CON PELÍCULA
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
ARENBIL 5 mg COMPRIMIDOS RECUBIERTOS CON PELICULA EFG
Neuraxpharm Spain S.L.
68991
COMPRIMIDO RECUBIERTO CON PELÍCULA
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA APOTEX 15 mg COMPRIMIDOS BUCODISPERSABLES EFG
Apotex Europe B.V.
10635012
COMPRIMIDO BUCODISPERSABLE
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Not Commercialized
OLANZAPINA AUROVITAS 2,5 MG COMPRIMIDOS EFG
Aurovitas Spain, S.A.U.
81007
COMPRIMIDO
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA NORMON 10 mg COMPRIMIDOS EFG
Laboratorios Normon S.A.
68838
COMPRIMIDO
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA STADA 7,5 mg COMPRIMIDOS RECUBIERTOS CON PELICULA EFG
Laboratorio Stada S.L.
68757
COMPRIMIDO RECUBIERTO CON PELÍCULA
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA STADA 10 mg COMPRIMIDOS RECUBIERTOS CON PELICULA EFG
Laboratorio Stada S.L.
68758
COMPRIMIDO RECUBIERTO CON PELÍCULA
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized

Philippines FDA Drug Approvals

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Malaysia NPRA Drug Approvals

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UK EMC Drug Information

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