Loxapine is used for rapid control of agitation in individuals with schizophrenia (long-term mental disorder that causes changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour) or bipolar disorder (mental condition that causes extreme mood changes between feeling very high [mania] and very low [depression]).
Use Loxapine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as an inhaler. You will be using the inhaler device by yourself with the guidance of your doctor or a healthcare professional.
Your doctor or a healthcare professional will prepare the inhaler device for you.
To use the inhaler, your doctor or healthcare professional will instruct you to do these steps:
- Hold the inhaler away from the mouth and exhale fully to empty the lungs.
- Put the mouthpiece of the inhaler between the lips, close your lips, and inhale deeply through the mouthpiece.
- Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and hold your breath as long as you can or for up to 10 seconds.
- The doctor or healthcare professional will check if the green light turns off on the device, which indicates that the dose has been delivered. If the green light remains on after inhalation, you will be instructed to repeat steps 1-3 to ensure you receive the full dose.
Make sure you understand the instructions on using the device. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or the healthcare professional.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of lung problems e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
- symptoms of wheezing or shortness of breath
as Loxapine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- predisposing conditions to fits or seizures e.g. head injury, brain damage, alcoholism
- low blood pressure
- low volume of circulating fluids in the body
- dehydration (excessive water loss from the body)
- paralytic ileus (bowel obstruction caused by slow movement or paralysis of the intestines)
- prostate enlargement
- urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating)
- low white blood cell count
- eye problems e.g. glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
This medicine is not indicated for the treatment of individuals with mood disorders related to dementia (a group of symptoms affecting thinking, memory, and social abilities).
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Loxapine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver and kidney function, blood cholesterol, sugar or electrolyte levels, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
What lifestyle changes should I make?
Loxapine may affect the ability of your body to adjust to temperature changes in the environment. Avoid exposure to very cold or very hot environments. Avoid strenuous exercise and activities like going to the sauna. Drink more water to prevent dehydration.
Loxapine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: throat irritation, changes in taste, dry mouth, constipation, and tiredness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, wheezing, coughing
- severe muscle stiffness, muscle weakness, high fever, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating
- tremors, slowed movements, stiffness of the arms and legs, imbalance while walking, and other uncontrollable involuntary movements such as twitching and jerking
- frequent sore throat, mouth sores, fever, chills or sweating
- fits or seizures
- eye pain or irritation, blurred vision, or changes in vision
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines to treat schizophrenia e.g. clozapine
- medicines for anxiety e.g. lorazepam
- medicines to treat depression
- strong painkillers e.g. tramadol
- mefloquine (medicine to treat malaria [a disease characterised by chills, fever and sweating that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Loxapine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Loxapine.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep the inhaler in its original package to protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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