General information

Loxitane is a psychiatric medication (antipsychotic type) that works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (such as dopamine) in the brain. It is used to treat certain mental or mood disorders (such as schizophrenia). This medication is not a cure for schizophrenia, it only helps to control symptoms. This medicine helps you to think more clearly and feel less nervous. It may also help to decrease hallucinations (such as hearing or seeing things that are not there).

Directions

Take Loxitane exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth, usually 2 to 4 times daily with or without food. The recommended starting dose for treatment of schizophrenia is 10 mg twice daily (or up to 25 mg twice daily for severe schizophrenia). Your doctor may increase your dose up to 250 mg total per day if necessary. Take it at the same time each day.

Precautions

Before taking Loxitane you should talk with your doctor if you have epilepsy or other seizure disorder, liver disease, Parkinson's disease, low white blood cell counts, glaucoma, urination problems, heart disease, breast cancer, enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase the risk of hypotension. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated.

Contraindications

You should not take Loxitane if you are allergic to it, loxapine, or any inactive ingredients of the drug, or if you have decreased alertness caused by taking certain medications or drinking alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, weight gain, blurred vision, muscle spasms, fast heartbeat, difficulty urinating, depression, sleep problems (insomnia), breast swelling, unusual weakness, nausea, vomiting, changes in weight, fever, urinating less than usual, chills, body aches, vision changes, tremor, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hives, changes in your menstrual periods. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: bronchodilators (tiotropium, ipratropium), scopolamine, glycopyrrolate, atropine, dimenhydrinate, belladonna, methscopolamine, benztropine, mepenzolate, urinary medications (tolterodine, flavoxate, oxybutynin), dicyclomine, propantheline, muscle relaxants, hyoscyamine, antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine), narcotic pain relievers (codeine). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are drowsiness, dizziness, muscle stiffness, increased salivation, trouble swallowing, weakness, loss of balance or coordination, weak pulse, slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, seizure.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light, heat and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.