Loxapac IM (Loxapine) belongs to the class of medications called antipsychotics. It is used to treat the symptoms of Schizophrenia. Loxapac IM (Loxapine) is believed to work by changing the way that certain nerve signals work in the brain.

Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Loxapac IM (Loxapine) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Loxapac IM (Loxapine), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Loxapac IM (Loxapine) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Loxapac IM (Loxapine) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Loxapac IM (Loxapine) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The usual recommended starting dose of Loxapac IM (Loxapine) is 10 mg twice daily. Your doctor will increase the dose over time until the best results occur with the least amount of side effects. The first doses of the medication may be given by an injection into the muscle. Once the best dose has been reached, the medication is usually taken in tablet or liquid form by mouth. The maximum daily dose should not be more than 250 mg.

Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may be taken with food or with a full 250 mL (8 ounce) glass of milk or water to prevent stomach irritation. Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Loxapac IM (Loxapine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you are receiving the intramuscular injection form of Loxapac IM (Loxapine) and miss an appointment to receive Loxapac IM (Loxapine), contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Store Loxapac IM (Loxapine) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Loxapac IM (Loxapine). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Loxapac IM (Loxapine) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Loxapac IM (Loxapine). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• changes to menstrual periods
• changed interest in sexual activity
• confusion
• Constipation
• dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• drowsiness
• Dry Mouth
• dry, itchy skin
• enlargement of breasts (men and women)
• headache
• increased sensitivity of skin to sun
• nasal congestion
• nausea
• increased sweating
• trouble sleeping
• unusual secretion of milk
• weight changes
• vomiting

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blurred vision
• difficulty controlling urination
• difficult urination
• difficulty speaking or swallowing
• difficulty moving (e.g., shuffling walk, slowed movements, inability to move eyes, eye rolling, drooling, mask-like face)
• decreased sweating
• dizziness or fainting when rising from a sitting or lying position
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• increased blinking or spasms of eyelid
• loss of balance control
• muscle stiffness
• restlessness or desire to keep moving
• severe constipation
• signs of a blood clot in the arm or leg (tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in the arm or leg) or lungs (difficulty breathing, sharp chest pain that is worse when breathing in, coughing, coughing up blood, sweating, or passing out)
• signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood,  bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of infection (symptoms may include Fever or chills, severe Diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
• symptoms of severely increased blood pressure (e.g., chest pain, blurred vision, dizziness, excessive tiredness, headache, stronger or faster heartbeat)
• uncontrolled movements (e.g., chewing movements, twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs, puffing up cheeks, rapid or fine, worm-like movements of tongue, lip smacking or puckering)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• convulsions (seizures)
• painful erection or prolonged erection that lasts more than 4 hours
• signs of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; Hives; swelling of the eyes, mouth, lips, or throat)
• signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (e.g., confusion, reduced consciousness, high fever, or muscle stiffness)
• signs of Stroke (e.g., sudden or severe headache; sudden loss of coordination; vision changes; sudden slurring of speech; or unexplained weakness, numbness, or pain in arm or leg)
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Loxapac IM (Loxapine).

Each mL contains Loxapac IM (Loxapine) base (as hydrochloride) 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH to approximately 6.0, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, and water for injection.

Loxapac IM (Loxapine) should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to Loxapac IM (Loxapine) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is experiencing circulatory collapse
• is in a coma
• is in a severe drug-induced depressed state from drugs such as alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics

There may be an interaction between Loxapac IM (Loxapine) and any of the following:

• aclidinium
• alcohol
• Alfuzosin
• Amiodarone
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• antiemetics (e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine)
• anti-Parkinsons medications (e.g., amantadine, Apomorphine, Bromocriptine, levodopa, Pramipexole, Ropinirole, Rotigotine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• atropine
• azelastine
• beta2-agonists (e.g., olodaterol, salmeterol, vilanterol)
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
• belladonna
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam)
• Benztropine
• brimonidine
• bromocriptine
• Buprenorphine
• Bupropion
• Buspirone
• cannabis
• chloral hydrate
• chloroquine
• Darifenacin
• Dextromethorphan
• Disopyramide
• dofetilide
• Domperidone
• Donepezil
• Dronedarone
• efavirenz
• Eluxadoline
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• Fingolimod
• Flavoxate
• Flecainide
• Galantamine
• general anesthetics (medications used to put people to sleep before surgery)
• glycopyrrolate
• Glucagon
• Indacaterol
• ipratropium
• ketotifen
• Lapatinib
• lithium
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• magnesium sulfate
• Methylphenidate
• Metoclopramide
• Mirabegron
• Mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
• Omalizumab
• Nabilone
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• neostigmine
• Nilotinib
• Nitroglycerin
• Olopatadine
• Oxybutynin
• potassium chloride
• procainamide
• Propafenone
• quinidine
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin)
• Rivastigmine
• Roflumilast
• Romidepsin
• St. John's wort
• scopolamine
• seizure medications (e.g., Clobazam, Carbamazepine, Levetiracetam, phenobarbital, Phenytoin, primidone, Topiramate, Valproic acid, zonisamide)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• Solifenacin
• Tapentadol
• Tetrabenazine
• thalidomide
• thiazide diuretics (water pills; e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Metolazone)
• Tolterodine
• tiotropium
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• "triptan" migraine medications (e.g., Eletriptan, Sumatriptan)
• Tryptophan
• umeclidinium
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Loxapac IM (Loxapine). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Loxapac IM (Loxapine).

Blood Clots: Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.

If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loxapac IM (Loxapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.

Blood counts: Loxapac IM (Loxapine) can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may impair mental or physical abilities, especially during the first few days of treatment. Avoid activities requiring alertness (e.g., operating vehicles or machinery) until you know how Loxapac IM (Loxapine) affects you. Alcohol and other sedating drugs can make you even less alert when used at the same time as Loxapac IM (Loxapine).

Glaucoma: Loxapac IM (Loxapine) can cause the symptoms of glaucoma to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loxapac IM (Loxapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart disease: Loxapac IM (Loxapine) can cause increased heart rate and severely Low Blood Pressure. If you have any heart conditions, discuss with your doctor how Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loxapac IM (Loxapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Loxapac IM (Loxapine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loxapac IM (Loxapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Loxapac IM (Loxapine).

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Loxapac IM (Loxapine), like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, get immediate medical attention.

Seizures: Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may increase the risk of seizures. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loxapac IM (Loxapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stopping the medication: If Loxapac IM (Loxapine) needs to be stopped, it should be done gradually, under the supervision of your doctor. Suddenly stopping Loxapac IM (Loxapine) can cause temporary involuntary movements, which may be of concern to some people.

Sunburn: An exaggerated sunburn reaction may occur for some people taking Loxapac IM (Loxapine). Avoid exposure to excessive sunlight, including sunlamps and tanning beds, and use sunblock with minimum SPF 15. Talk to your doctor if you develop skin redness.

Tardive dyskinesia: A syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary movements called tardive dyskinesia may develop in people treated with Loxapac IM (Loxapine). Although the risk of tardive dyskinesia appears to be highest among seniors, especially senior women, it is impossible to predict at the beginning of treatment who is likely to develop the syndrome. Tell your doctor if you start to experience signs of this syndrome, such as repetitive and involuntary movements of the face, arms, legs, or torso.

Urinary problems: Loxapac IM (Loxapine) can cause urinary problems, such as difficulty urinating, to become worse. If you have urinary problems, discuss with your doctor how Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loxapac IM (Loxapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Loxapac IM (Loxapine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Loxapac IM (Loxapine), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Loxapac IM (Loxapine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Loxapac IM (Loxapine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Loxapac IM (Loxapine) have not been established for children and adolescents. Its use is not recommended for people under 18 years of age.

Seniors: The safety of using Loxapac IM (Loxapine) has not been established for adults 65 years of age or older. The increased risk of liver, kidney, and heart conditions increases the risk of side effects with the use of Loxapac IM (Loxapine).

There may be a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and deaths associated with the use of Loxapac IM (Loxapine) by seniors with Dementia. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice the signs and symptoms of a stroke (e.g., sudden weakness or numbness, speech problems, vision problems, dizziness, confusion, sudden severe headache) or a heart attack (e.g., discomfort or pain in the chest, back, neck, jaw, arms; sweating; shortness of breath; nausea; lightheadedness) or infection (e.g., pneumonia). Loxapac IM (Loxapine) should not be used in seniors with dementia.