Loxapine Powder Inhaler

What is this medication?

LOXAPINE (LOX a peen) treats symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain, substances that help regulate mood, behaviors, and thoughts. It belongs to a group of medications called antipsychotics. Antipsychotic medications can be used to treat several kinds of mental health conditions.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): ADASUVE

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Difficulty swallowing
• Glaucoma
• Have trouble controlling your muscles
• Heart disease
• If you often drink alcohol
• Liver disease
• Low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• Low blood pressure
• Lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• Parkinson's disease
• Prostate disease
• Seizures
• Trouble passing urine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to loxapine, amoxapine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is inhaled by mouth. It will only be given in a hospital or clinic setting. Your care team will show you how to take this medication right before you use it. Follow the instructions for use carefully.

A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply; this medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Metoclopramide

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Atropine
• Carbamazepine
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
• Certain medications for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
• Certain medications for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
• Certain medications for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
• Certain medications for travel sickness like scopolamine
• Epinephrine
• General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
• Ipratropium
• Levodopa or other medications for Parkinson's disease
• Lithium
• Medications for blood pressure
• Medications for seizures
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• Narcotic medications for pain
• Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

This medication may cause breathing problems. Your care team will check you for breathing problems before and after you take this medication. You will be observed closely for about 1 hour after you take this medication. Tell your care team right away if you have wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath at any time after taking this medication. Breathing problems that occur after taking this medication may require additional treatments.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication and make you more dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medication can cause problems with controlling your body temperature. It can lower the response of your body to cold temperatures. If possible, stay indoors during cold weather. If you must go outdoors, wear warm clothes. It can also lower the response of your body to heat. Do not overheat. Do not over-exercise. Stay out of the sun when possible. If you must be in the sun, wear cool clothing. Drink plenty of water. If you have trouble controlling your body temperature, call your care team right away.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion, which may be signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Seizures
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
• Trouble passing urine
• Uncontrolled and repetitive body movements, muscle stiffness or spasms, tremors or shaking, loss of balance or coordination, restlessness, shuffling walk, which may be signs of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
• Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in taste
• Cough
• Drowsiness
• Irritation inside the mouth or throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.