Psychosis:
Indications for: Loxapine
Schizophrenia.
Adult Dosage:
Individualize. Give in divided doses, usually 2–4 times daily. Initially 10mg twice daily; severe: initially up to a total of 50mg/day. Dosage may be increased over first 7 to 10 days until effective response; usual range 60–100mg daily. Max 250mg/day. Maintenance therapy: use lowest effective dose; range 20–60mg daily.
Children Dosage:
Not established.
Loxapine Contraindications:
Coma. Severe drug-induced (eg, alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics) depressed states.
Loxapine Warnings/Precautions:
Elderly (not for dementia-related psychosis; may increase risk of death). Management of behavioral complications in mental retardation patients: not recommended. History of convulsive disorders. Cardiovascular disease. Glaucoma. Urinary retention. Pre-existing low WBC or history of drug induced leukopenia/neutropenia; monitor CBCs during 1st few months of treatment. Monitor for fever and symptoms/signs of infection in patients with neutropenia; discontinue if severe (ANC<1000/mm3). Perform fall risk assessments when initiating and recurrently on long-term therapy. Neonates: risk of extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms post delivery (due to exposure during 3rd-trimester pregnancy). Pregnancy. Nursing mothers: not recommended.
Loxapine Classification:
Dibenzoxazepine.
Loxapine Interactions:
Avoid concomitant alcohol, other CNS depressants. Caution with concomitant anticholinergic-type antiparkinson, CNS-active drugs. Significant respiratory depression, stupor and/or hypotension with lorazepam.
Adverse Reactions:
Tardive dyskinesia, hypotension, drowsiness, insomnia, jaundice, blood dyscrasias, GI upset, may mask emetic signs of overdosage or disease, lowered seizure threshold, dermatitis, rash, hyperprolactinemia, anticholinergic effects, pigmentary retinopathy, lenticular pigmentation, extrapyramidal reactions, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (monitor).
Note:
Formerly known under the brand name Loxitane.
How Supplied:
Contact supplier
