General Information
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Loxapac liqd (Wyeth)
Loxapac cap (Wyeth)
Type: OTC/Prescription/schedule
Loxapine is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Loxapine pronounced as: LOX a peen
Loxapine is an anti psychotic medication.
Loxapine is used in the treatment of Schizophrenia, psychotic depression and to control Agitation and behavioural disturbances in Mania/ Schizophrenia
- Take loxapine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take loxapine at regular intervals as advised by your doctor for it to be effective.
- Take plenty or oral fluids to avoid dehydration when on loxapine.
- Loxapine may take as long as 4 wks to show its beneficial effects. However continue to take the medication as advised.
- Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer duration than recommended by your doctor.
- Do not skip doses or stop taking loxapine without consulting your doctor as it may worsen your condition.
- Always remember to inform your health expert if you are currently taking any OTC or prescription drugs like,
- Anti Parkinson drugs llike Levadopa, Seligiline etc
- Omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor)
- Anti convulsants like phenytoin. Phenobarbitone, carbamazepine
- Antibiotics like erythromycin, Rifampicin
- Inform your doctor if you have following medical diseases , as Loxapine should be used cautiously in these conditions
- Alzheimer disease, dementia
- Diabetes
- Enlarged Prostate
- Seizure disorder
- liver or kidney disease
- Cardiac disease like arrhythmias, hypertension etc
Do not take loxapine if you have taken large amount of alcohol.
Children: Do not use loxapine in children.
Old people:
Pregnant woman: Loxapine belongs to FDA pregnancy category C. This means that loxapine may harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy but potential benefit may warrant use of the drug in pregnant woman despite potential risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: It is not known whether loxapine passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take loxapine with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Other:
Loxapine is available in the form tablet and liquids.
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
The overdose symptoms of Loxapine include
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
Loxapine may cause following side effects
- Increased sensitivity to light
Consult your doctor immediately if notice following symptoms.
Store loxapine at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed off safely.
- Loxapine may cause false results in some lab test like those for testing Phenylketonuria, amylase, uribilinogen etc. inform your lab personnel regarding loxapine medication prior to undergoing the tests.
- If you are a diabetic on this medication keep a close watch on your blood sugar levels as loxapine may raise your blood sugar levels.
- Loxapine increases sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore avoid prolong exposure to the sun and wear long sleeved clothing and sunscreen when you go out in sun.
- Avoid getting dehydrated or extreme heat as Loxapine may increase the risk of having heat stroke. Take plenty of oral fluids in hot weather and during exercise
- Loxapine causes giddiness, drowsiness and visual disturbances as side effects. Therefore when affected do not drive, operate heavy machinery or perform unsafe tasks and avoid alcohol.
- Loxapine may rarely cause a group of symptoms called as Neuroleptic Malignant syndrome (NMS) characterised by difficulty in swallowing, Muscle stiffness, rapid heart rate, visual disturbances, fever, sweating etc. Stop the drug immediately and consult your doctor.
- Loxapine should be used cautiously in elderly patients as they more prone for side effects like muscle stiffness, involuntary movements etc
- Regular monitoring of your fasting blood sugar levels and liver function tests is required when on this medication to look for possible side effects.
It is imp to read manufacturing packaging instruction carefully if available and always do not hesitate to consult pharmacist or physician for any information.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: November 17,2011
- Allergic reaction like swollen lips, hives, difficulty in breathing, rashes. Peeling of skin etc
- Muscle stiffness, Fever, difficulty in swallowing
- Hallucination , suicidal thoughts, behavioural changes
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin eyes)
- Uncontrolled movements of the hands, legs, tongue, face
- Urinary retention
- Menstrual disturbances
- Breast enlargement in men
- Decrease in sexual interest and performance