Loxapine
Loxapine is an antipsychotic medication used primarily to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It helps reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking by restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.
Loxapine is an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and psychotic disorders by balancing dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AH01
- RxNorm
- 6475
- Generic
- Loxapine
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- Adasuve
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- inhaler, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near delivery; discontinue if possible before third trimester
fetal monitoring for neonatal effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
loxapine is excreted in breast milk; breastfeeding should be avoided
monitor infant for sedation and feeding difficulties
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly with dementiareduce initial dose by 50%
use with extreme caution; increased mortality risk in elderly with dementia-related psychosis
regular cognitive assessment and vital sign monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly without dementiastart with lower dose
initiate at half adult dose; titrate slowly; monitor for orthostatic hypotension
blood pressure monitoring, especially when standing
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17not recommended
not approved for use in patients under 18 years; limited safety and efficacy data
not established for pediatric population
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; monitor renal function; may require dose reduction
regular renal function tests and serum level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; metabolized in liver; monitor liver function
regular liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Adasuve (loxapine) inhalation powder for acute agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder
Drug class
ATC Classification: N05AH02 - Dibenzoxazepine derivatives
Primary indications
Therapeutic indications for inhaled loxapine (Adasuve)
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism of action
Loxapine is primarily used to treat schizophrenia, including acute episodes and maintenance therapy. It may also be used for other psychotic disorders where symptoms such as agitation, hostility, or aggression are present.
Loxapine works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. This helps reduce dopamine-related symptoms like hallucinations and delusions while also addressing serotonin-mediated symptoms.
Loxapine is a first-generation antipsychotic and may cause extrapyramidal side effects such as tremor, muscle stiffness, and involuntary movements. It should be used with caution in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to increased risk of death. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and blurred vision.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy