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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
2008/08/18
Not Applicable
Withdrawn
2008/08/14
Phase 2
Terminated
2008/08/05
Phase 2
Completed
2008/07/10
Phase 3
Completed
2008/06/18
Not Applicable
Completed
The New England Baptist Hospital
2008/06/06
Phase 2
Completed
2008/05/30
Phase 2
Completed
2008/05/28
Phase 4
Completed
2008/05/15
Phase 2
Completed
2008/05/06
Phase 4
Withdrawn

FDA Drug Approvals

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Approved Product
Manufacturer
NDC Code
Route
Strength
Effective Date
Eli Lilly and Company
0002-4456
ORAL
20 mg in 1 1
11/11/2022
Apotex Corp.
60505-3111
ORAL
5 mg in 1 1
7/19/2023
Indoco Remedies Limited
14445-109
ORAL
10 mg in 1 1
8/14/2020
Quality Care Products, LLC
55700-743
ORAL
10 mg in 1 1
4/25/2019
NorthStar RxLLC
72603-154
ORAL
2.5 mg in 1 1
8/17/2023
Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
31722-308
INTRAMUSCULAR
10 mg in 2 mL
4/3/2023
AvPAK
50268-617
ORAL
15 mg in 1 1
11/7/2023
H2-Pharma LLC
61269-630
ORAL
2.5 mg in 1 1
10/9/2023
Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
67184-0563
ORAL
7.5 mg in 1 1
5/1/2018
Rebel Distributors Corp
42254-222
ORAL
7.5 mg in 1 1
9/10/2009

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
OLANZAPINE
novopharm limited
02301059
Tablet - Oral
15 MG
N/A
OLANZAPINE ODT
meliapharm inc
02348179
Tablet (Orally Disintegrating) - Oral
10 MG
10/18/2011
AG-OLANZAPINE FC
angita pharma inc.
02487616
Tablet - Oral
5 MG
1/21/2020
ACT OLANZAPINE
actavis pharma company
02325675
Tablet - Oral
7.5 MG
10/15/2009
VAN-OLANZAPINE
vanc pharmaceuticals inc
02428024
Tablet - Oral
7.5 MG
7/10/2015
OLANZAPINE
sivem pharmaceuticals ulc
02385872
Tablet - Oral
5 MG
6/12/2012
OLANZAPINE
PRO DOC LIMITEE
02311984
Tablet - Oral
7.5 MG
2/1/2010
OLANZAPINE
Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Company
02343886
Tablet - Oral
20 MG
N/A
OLANZAPINE
Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Company
02343878
Tablet - Oral
15 MG
N/A
OLANZAPINE
02419386
Tablet - Oral
2.5 MG
N/A

CIMA AEMPS Drug Approvals

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Approved Product
Company
Registration Number
Pharmaceutical Form
Prescription Type
Status
OLANZAPINA QUALIGEN 5 mg COMPRIMIDOS RECUBIERTOS CON PELICULA EFG
Neuraxpharm Spain S.L.
68733
COMPRIMIDO RECUBIERTO CON PELÍCULA
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA PENSA 7,5 mg COMPRIMIDOS EFG
Towa Pharmaceutical S.A.
68901
COMPRIMIDO
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA VIR 15 MG COMPRIMIDOS BUCODISPERSABLES EFG
Industria Quimica Y Farmaceutica Vir S.A.
76711
COMPRIMIDO BUCODISPERSABLE
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Not Commercialized
OLANZAPINA KERN PHARMA 10 mg COMPRIMIDOS EFG
68680
COMPRIMIDO
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA APOTEX 5 mg COMPRIMIDOS BUCODISPERSABLES EFG
Apotex Europe B.V.
10635008
COMPRIMIDO BUCODISPERSABLE
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Not Commercialized
OLANZAPINA TEVA-RATIO 10 mg COMPRIMIDOS BUCODISPERSABLES EFG
Teva Pharma S.L.U.
73478
COMPRIMIDO BUCODISPERSABLE
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA ALTER 10 mg COMPRIMIDOS BUCODISPERSABLES EFG
Laboratorios Alter S.A.
73413
COMPRIMIDO BUCODISPERSABLE
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA SUN 10 mg COMPRIMIDOS EFG
72157
COMPRIMIDO
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
ZYPREXA 5 MG COMPRIMIDOS RECUBIERTOS
96022004IP5
COMPRIMIDO RECUBIERTO
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized
OLANZAPINA AUROVITAS 7,5 MG COMPRIMIDOS EFG
Aurovitas Spain, S.A.U.
81003
COMPRIMIDO
Medicamento Sujeto A Prescripción Médica
Commercialized

Philippines FDA Drug Approvals

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UK EMC Drug Information

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