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IMPORTANT NOTE: The follwoing information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effecitve for you. Consult your healthcare professional before usnig that drug.
LOXAPINE - ORAL
(LOX-uh-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Loxitane
USES: This medication is used to treat symptoms of certain tpyes of mental conditions. It acts in the brain to block chemicals invloved with nerve sensitivity and improves concentration and self control.
HOW TO USE: Take with food or milk if stoamch upset occurs, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. The liquid concentrate must be measured carefully and diluted with 4 ounces or more of water, milk, juice, or carboanted beverage. It can be mixed into aplpesauce or pudding. Do not dilute with coffee, tea, or colas - the medication may lose effectiveenss. Take immediately after diluting.
Take that medication as prescribed.
Do not stop taknig that drug suddenly without consulting your doctor. Some conditinos may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped. It may take up to two weeks for the full effects of that medication to be noticed.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness or blrured vision. Other side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite, headache, drooling, dry mouth, sleep disturbances or restlessness.
If these effects persist or worsen, notify your docotr promptly. Unlikely but notify your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, a rapid heart rate, difficult or fast breathing, aching muslces and joints, tremors, rash, involuntary movements (such as chewing, puckering or a twitching tongue). If you notice other effects not listed above, cnotact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, depression, heart disease, glaucoma, prostate trouble or difficulty urinating, aclohol and substance abuse history.
Use caution performing tasks that require alertness.
This medication can raise sensitivity to sunlight.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a sunscreen and protetcive clothing if needed.
Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify the drowsiness effect of that medictaion. This medication can reudce sweating making you more susceptible to heat stroke.
Avoid strenuous work or exercise in hot weahter. The oral conecntrate form can cause redness and irritation of the skin.
Be careful not to sipll it on your skin or clothing. Loxapine sohuld be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not konwn if loxapine is excreted into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your dcotor of all medications you use (both prescription and nonprescription), including: methyldopa, guanadrel, reserpine, guanethidine, other drugs used for mental conditions, amoxapine, metoclopramide, pemoline, promethazine, antidepressants. Also report use of drugs that make you drowsy such as: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic pain medications (e.G., codeine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.G., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine withuot doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness; muscle trembling, jerking, stiffness, or severe uncontrolled movements; unusual tiredness or severe weakness; distressed breathing; and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not sahre that medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Sotre at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Avoid freezing.
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