Loxapac

loxapine

Loxapac

Loxitane

Xylac

Indications

Action

Pharmacokinetics

Time/action profile (antipsychotic effect)

Contraindications/Precautions

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

• neuroleptic malignant syndrome (life-threatening)
• confusion (most frequent)
• dizziness (most frequent)
• drowsiness (most frequent)
• extrapyramidal reactions
• headache
• insomnia
• syncope
• tardive dyskinesia
• weakness

Ear, Eye, Nose, Throat

• blurred vision (most frequent)
• lens opacities
• nasal congestion

Cardiovascular

• orthostatic hypotension (most frequent)
• tachycardia

Gastrointestinal

• constipation
• drug-induced hepatitis
• dry mouth
• ileus
• nausea
• vomiting

Genitourinary

• urinary retention

Dermatologic

• dermatitis
• edema
• facial photosensitivity
• pigment changes
• rashes
• seborrhea

Endocrinologic

• galactorrhea

Hematologic

• agranulocytosis (life-threatening)

Neurologic

• ataxia

Miscellaneous

• allergic reactions

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

Route/Dosage

Availability (generic available)

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

• Monitor patient’s mental status (orientation, mood, behavior) before and periodically during therapy.
• Assess positive (delusions, hallucinations, agitation) and negative (social withdrawal) symptoms of schizophrenia.
• Assess weight and BMI initially and throughout therapy. Refer as appropriate for nutritional/weight management and medical management.
• Monitor BP (sitting, standing, lying) and pulse rate before and frequently during.dose adjustment.
• Observe patient carefully when administering medication to ensure that medication is actually taken and not hoarded or cheeked.
• Monitor patient for onset of akathisia (restlessness or desire to keep moving) and extrapyramidal side effects (parkinsonian—difficulty speaking or swallowing, loss of balance control, pill rolling of hands, mask-like face, shuffling gait, rigidity, tremors; and.dystonic—muscle spasms, twisting motions, twitching, inability to move eyes, weakness of arms or legs) every 2 mo during therapy and 8–12 wk after therapy has been discontinued. Report these symptoms; reduction in dosage or discontinuation of medication may be necessary. Trihexyphenidyl, diphenhydramine, or benzotropine may be used to control symptoms. Benzodiazepines may alleviate akathisia.
• Monitor for tardive dyskinesia (uncontrolled rhythmic movement of mouth, face, and extremities; lip smacking or puckering; puffing of cheeks; uncontrolled chewing; rapid or worm-like movements of tongue, excessive eye blinking). Tardive dyskinesia is dose related initially but may increase with cumulative dose. Report immediately; may be irreversible.
• Monitor frequency and consistency of bowel movements. Increasing bulk and fluids in the diet may help minimize constipation.
• Loxapine lowers the seizure threshold. Institute seizure precautions for patients with history of seizures.
• Monitor for development of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, respiratory distress, tachycardia, convulsions, diaphoresis, hypertension or hypotension, pallor, tiredness, severe muscle stiffness, loss of bladder control). Report symptoms immediately.
• Lab Test Considerations: Monitor CBC and differential before and periodically throughout therapy.
  • Obtain fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels initially and periodically during therapy.
  • Monitor liver function studies and urine bilirubin and bile concentrations if patient develops jaundice.
Antiemetic effects of loxapine may block the action of ipecac. Overdose is treated by gastric lavage, barbiturates to control seizures, and supportive care for fluctuations in body temperature. Hypotension may be corrected by use of IV fluids, norepinephrine, or phenylephrine. Avoid use of epinephrine, as it may worsen hypotension.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Implementation

• Do not confuse loxapine (Loxitane) with acetretin (Soriatane), Lexapro (escitalopram), or fluoxetine (Prozac).
• Oral: Administer tablets and capsules with food or milk to decrease gastric irritation.
  • Do not administer antacids or antidiarrheals within 2 hr of loxapine.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient on need to take loxapine as directed. Take missed doses as soon as remembered, up to 1 hr before next scheduled dose. Patients on long-term high-dose therapy may need to discontinue gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms (dyskinesia, tremors, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting).
• Inform patient of possibility of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia. Instruct patient to report these symptoms immediately to health care professional.
• Advise patient to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension.
• May cause drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to the medication is known.
• Caution patient to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions.
• Caution patient to avoid concurrent use of alcohol, other CNS depressants, and OTC medications without consulting health care professional.
• Instruct patient to use frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, and sugarless gum or candy to minimize dry mouth. Consult health care professional if dry mouth continues for >2 wk.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional of medication regimen before treatment or surgery.
• Instruct patient to notify health care professional promptly if sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, rash, weakness, tremors, visual disturbances, dark-colored urine, or clay-colored stools occur.
• Advise patient of need for continued medical follow-up for psychotherapy, eye exams, and laboratory tests, and to detect side effects.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Decrease in positive symptoms of schizophrenia (hallucinations, delusions, agitation).
• Decrease in excitable, manic behavior.