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Action/Kinetics:
Thought to act by blocking dopamine at postsynaptic brain receptors. Causes significant extrapyramidal symptoms, moderate sedative effects, and a low incidence of anticholinergic effects, as well as orthostatic hypotension.
Onset: 20-30 min.
Peak effects: 1.5-3 hr.
Duration: about 12 hr.
t
1/2: 3-4 hr. Partially metabolized in the liver; excreted in urine, and unchanged in feces.
Uses:
Psychotic disorders.
Investigational: Anxiety neurosis with depression.
Additional Contraindications
History of convulsive disorders.
Special Concerns:
Use with caution in clients with CV disease. Use during lactation only if benefits outweigh risks. Dosage has not been established in children less than 16 years of age. Geriatric clients may be more prone to developing orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic, sedative, and extrapyramidal side effects.
Additional Side Effects:
Tachycardia, hypertension, hypotension, lightheadedness, and syncope.
How Supplied:
Loxapine hydrochloride:
Concentrate: 25 mg/mL;
Injection: 50 mg/mL
Loxapine succinate:
Capsule: 5 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg
Dosage
?Capsules, Oral Solution
Psychoses.
Adults, initial: 10 mg (of the base) b.i.d. For severe cases, up to 50 mg/day may be required. Increase dosage rapidly over 7-10 days until symptoms are controlled.
Range: 60-100 mg up to 250 mg/day.
Maintenance: If possible reduce dosage to 20-60 mg/day.
?IM
Psychoses.
Adults: 12.5-50 mg (of the base) q 4-6 hr; once adequate control has been established, switch to PO medication after control achieved (usually within 5 days).
