Loxapine (oral)

Loxapine (oral)

Clinical data
ATC code	N05AH01 (WHO)
Pharmacokinetic data
Elimination half-life	Oral-4 hours
Identifiers
IUPAC name 2-Chloro-11-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine
CAS Number	1977-10-2
PubChem CID	3964
DrugBank	APRD00574
E number	{{#property:P628}}
ECHA InfoCard	{{#property:P2566}}
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C18H18ClN3O
Molar mass	327.808 g/mol

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Loxapine (sold as Loxapac®, Loxitane®) is a typical antipsychotic medication, used primarily in the treatment of schizophrenia. It is a member of the dibenzoxazepine class and as a dibenzazepine derivative, it is structurally related to clozapine (which belongs to the chemically closely akin class of dibenzodiazepines). Several researchers have argued that Loxapine may behave as an atypical antipsychotic (PMID 10340686).

Loxapine may be metabolized by N-demethylation to amoxapine, a tetracyclic antidepressant (PMID 1860915).

Side effects

Further information: Typical antipsychotic

The most significant side-effects of loxapine are excessive salivation and indifference to surroundings. Loxapine, if administered to normal persons causes emotional quietening and insensitivity. In persons with psychosis, it may control aggressive behaviour and restlessness, and reduce the severity of hallucinations and delusions. Other Side effects include tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, extrapyramidal side effects, tremor, gynecomastia and sedation.

Dosage

The typical starting dosage is 10mg twice daily; usual dose range 30-50mg twice daily; maximum recommended dosage is 250mg per day.

External links

• Product monograph from Medscape (free registration required).