Loxapine inhaled
ADASUVE
Pronunciation: LOX-a-peen (AD-a-soov)
“Air to soothe”
Loxapine mascot: “Lotsa ping, Lotsa Tang”
Spooky mascot → antipsychotic
What it isInhaled loxapine (ADASUVE, 2012) — single-use Staccato inhaler, IV-like speed without a needle for acute agitation; REMS: bronchospasm risk, contraindicated in asthma/COPD.
Why this oneSame molecule and receptor pharmacology as the parent card — the formulation (and its label) is the difference.
What limits itClass warnings of the parent molecule apply unchanged.
FDA-approved for
- acute agitation (schizophrenia, bipolar I) (2012)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder | Adults | 10 mg by oral inhalation, single dose | 10 mg per 24 h (single dose only) |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Only a single dose within any 24-hour period
Instructions
- Administer only by a healthcare professional in a certified healthcare setting
- Screen for pulmonary disease and assess respiratory status (chest auscultation) before dosing
- Monitor for bronchospasm for at least 1 hour after administration
- Single-use inhaler; discard after one use
Available strengths
- powder 10 mg
- cap 5, 10, 25, 50 mg
Contraindications
- Current diagnosis/history of asthma, COPD, or other lung disease associated with bronchospasm
- Acute respiratory signs/symptoms (e.g., wheezing)
- Current use of medications to treat airways disease (asthma/COPD)
- History of bronchospasm following ADASUVE treatment
- Known hypersensitivity to loxapine or amoxapine
Cautions
- Bronchospasm
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Hypotension and syncope
- Seizure
- Falls
- Cognitive/motor impairment
- Anticholinergic effects (glaucoma, urinary retention)
Adverse reactions
- Dysgeusia
- Sedation
- Throat irritation
Pregnancy Third-trimester exposure risks extrapyramidal/withdrawal symptoms in neonates; data insufficient for birth-defect risk.
Lactation No human data; consider benefits of breastfeeding vs. maternal need and potential infant effects.
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | powder | per unit | not offered |
Other forms: Loxapine (LOXITANE)
⚠ BOXED WARNING
- Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityMetabolic effects, extrapyramidal symptoms/tardive dyskinesia and agent-specific QT or orthostatic risk.
Active metabolites
Open Loxapine inhaled in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: interaction avatars
