Loxapine inhalation powder

What is this medicine?

LOXAPINE (LOX a peen) inhaler is used to treat certain symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is inhaled by mouth. It will only be given to you by a health care professional while you are in a hospital or clinic setting. Your healthcare professional will show you how to take this medicine 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 pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• chest tightness

• confusion

• fever, chills, sore throat

• palpitations

• seizures

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• trouble swallowing

• uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, head, mouth, neck, or upper body

• unusual bruising or bleeding

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

• changes in taste (bad, bitter, or metallic taste)

• constipation

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• sore throat

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• metoclopramide

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold

• atropine

• carbamazepine

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• epinephrine

• general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol

• ipratropium

• levodopa or other medicines for Parkinson's disease

• lithium

• medicines for blood pressure

• medicines for seizures

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• narcotic medicines for pain

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

What if I miss a dose?

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

Where should I keep my medicine?

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

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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 medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your health care professional 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 medicine.

This medicine may cause breathing problems. Your healthcare provider will check you for breathing problems before and after you take this medicine. You will be observed closely for about 1 hour after you take this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath at any time after taking this medicine. Breathing problems that occur after taking this medicine 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 medicine 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 medicine and make you more dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This drug 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 health care provider right away.