$Unique_ID{BRK02009}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{LOXAPINE}
$Subject{Loxitane (Lederle)
Loxitane C (Lederle)}
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$Log{
Loxitane*0200901.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


LOXAPINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Loxitane (Lederle)
     Loxitane C (Lederle)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antipsychotic
INGREDIENT:
     loxapine
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Capsules (5 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg)
     Oral concentrate (25 mg per ml)
STORAGE:
     Loxapine capsules and oral concentrate should be stored at room
       temperature (never frozen) in tightly closed containers.  If the oral
       concentrate turns slightly yellowish, the drug is still effective and
       can be used.  However, if the oral concentrate changes color markedly
       or has particles floating in it, it shouldn't be used; rather, it
       should instead be discarded down the sink.

USES

     Loxapine is prescribed to treat the symptoms of mental illness, such as
the emotional symptoms of psychosis.  This medication is thought to relieve
the symptoms of mental illness by blocking certain chemicals involved with
nerve transmission in the brain.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach irritation, you can take the tablet form of loxapine
with a meal or with a glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you
to do otherwise.)
     The oral concentrate form of this medication should be measured carefully
with the dropper provided and diluted in eight ounces (a full cup) or more of
the orange or grapefruit juice immediately prior to administration.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible and return to your regular dosing schedule.  If it is almost time for
the next dose, however, skip the one you missed and then return to your
regular schedule.  Do not double the dose unless you are directed to do so by
your doctor.
     Antacids and antidiarrheal medicines can decrease the absorption of this
medication from the gastrointestinal tract.  Therefore, at least one hour
should separate doses of one of these medicines and loxapine.
     The full effects of this medication for the control of emotional or
mental symptoms may not become apparent for two weeks after you start to take
it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, constipation, decreased sweating, diarrhea, dizziness,
drooling, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, jitteriness, menstrual
irregularities, nasal congestion, restlessness, vomiting, or weight gain.  As
your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To reduce mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a
piece of hard candy.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
breast enlargement (in both sexes); chest pain; convulsions; darkened skin;
difficulty in swallowing or breathing; fainting; fever; impotence; involuntary
movements of the face, mouth, jaw, or tongue; palpitations; rash; sleep
disorders; sore throat; tremors; uncoordinated movements; unusual bleeding or
bruising; visual disturbances; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Loxapine can interact with a number of other types of medications:
     1. It can cause extreme drowsiness when combined with alcohol or other
central nervous system depressants (such as barbiturates, benzodiazepine
tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, and pain medications) or with
tricyclic antidepressants.
     2. This medication can decrease the effectiveness of amphetamines,
guanethidine, anticonvulsants, and levodopa.
     3. The side effects of epinephrine, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors,
and tricyclic antidepressants may be increased when combined with this
medication.  At least 14 days should separate the use of this drug and the use
of an MAO inhibitor.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to loxapine or to any phenothiazine tranquilizer.
     * Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcoholism or if you now have
or ever had heart or circulatory disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, liver disease,
Parkinson's disease, enlarged prostate gland, or blockage of the urinary
tract.
     * Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication, in
order to prevent oversedation.
     * If this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.  Be careful on stairs, and avoid getting up
suddenly from a lying or sitting position.  Prior to having surgery or any
other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that
you are taking loxapine.
     * Some of the side effects caused by this drug can be prevented by taking
an antiparkinsonism drug.  Discuss this with your doctor.
     * This medication can decrease sweating and heat release from the body.
Therefore, avoid getting overheated by strenuous exercise in hot weather, and
avoid taking hot baths, showers, and saunas.
     * This medication has the potential to cause a permanent movement
disorder called tardive dyskinesia.  Therefore, be sure to report any
uncontrolled movements of the body to your doctor.
     * Do not stop taking this medication suddenly.  If the drug is stopped
abruptly, you may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache,
increased heart rate, insomnia, tremors, or worsening of your condition.  Your
doctor may want to reduce the dosage gradually.
     * If you are planning to have a myelogram, or any other procedure in
which dye is injected into the area surrounding the spinal cord, tell your
doctor that you are taking this medication.
     * Avoid spilling the oral concentrate form of this medication on your
skin or clothing; it can cause redness and irritation of the skin.
     * While you are taking this prescription medication, do not take any
over-the-counter (nonprescription) medication or preparation for weight
control or for cough, cold, asthma, allergy, or sinus problems unless you
first check with your doctor.  The combination of these two types of
medications can cause high blood pressure.
     * Elderly patients may be at increased risk of experiencing side effects
of this medication.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Small amounts of this
medication will cross the placenta.  Although there are reports of safe use of
this type of drug during pregnancy, there are also reports of liver disease
and tremors in newborn infants whose mothers received this type of medication
close to term.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.
Small amounts of this medication pass into breast milk and may cause unwanted
effects in the nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
