OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the effectiveness of quetiapine extended release (XR) versus quetiapine immediate release (IR) in Mexican Schizophrenic patients from a governmental perspective. METHODS: Effective measurements were taken from Meulien´s, et al, 2010 meta-analysis and a systematic review done for this analysis. Cost-effectiveness and a cost utility analysis were done. Effectiveness measurements were: percentage of patients adherent to treatment, reporting adverse events (AEs) and with relapse. Disease-specific utility values assigned to each of the 6 schizophrenia disease states, based in the possible  combinations of adherence levels (full, partial, or nonadherence) and the relapse results, have been estimated by Furiak, 2009 using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and expert opinion. Costs considered are direct medical care, drug, AEs and relapse treatment. Analysis used a governmental perspective (Mexican Institute of Social Services costs), (published May 2012). A Markov model was performed considering a one year horizon with 3 month cycles simulating schizophrenic Mexican population with the proposed treatment alternatives. Finally a univariated probabilistic sensitivity analysis was done to validate consistency in the model. RESULTS: The use of quetiapine XR resulted in more adherent patients with 0.17846 compared with 0.05630 for quetiapine IR; less AEs reported with 0.13716 compared with 0.05462 respectively. In the cost-utility analysis quetiapine XR had an average QALYs of 0.14620 compared to quetiapine IR QALYS of 0.1256. Quetiapine XR generated a cost saving of USD 508.52 (conversion rate: USD=13.14 MxPesos. Average 2012) CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data from the review and meta-analysis, quetiapine XR had a similar efficacy and tolerability profile than quetiapine IR but with better results in effectiveness measures (adherence, adverse events and QALYs). It reduces direct treatment costs in Mexican public Institutions with a positive estimate impact. Based on these, quetiapine XR is a dominant alternative, more effective and with less costs tan quetiapine IR.