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Loxapine oral capsule dosage: A detailed guide

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Doctors prescribe loxapine oral capsule for schizophrenia. You take it by mouth two to four times per day.
Medically reviewed by Michael Rio, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes loxapine oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for loxapine. If you want to know more about loxapine oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Loxapine oral capsule is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version. Loxapine also comes in inhaler form, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.

Boxed warning: Increased risk of death in certain older adults

Loxapine has a boxed warning for the increased risk of death in certain older adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See the end of this article for more information about this warning.

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Form and strengths of loxapine

Loxapine oral capsule comes as follows:

  • Form: capsule that you swallow
  • Strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg

Dosage of loxapine

This article describes the recommended dosages for loxapine oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of loxapine oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of loxapine in adults

Loxapine is used for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of loxapine oral capsule. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of loxapine oral capsule that gives the desired outcome.

The usual recommended dosages of loxapine in adults are:

  • Starting dosage: 10 mg twice per day
  • Maintenance dosage: 20–100 mg per day in two to four divided doses
  • Maximum dosage: 250 mg per day in two to four divided doses

Dosage adjustments for loxapine

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of loxapine oral capsule based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of loxapine

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of loxapine oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of loxapine oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about loxapine oral capsule and its dosage.

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How does the dosage of loxapine compare with the dosage of clozapine?

Loxapine and clozapine both are prescribed for schizophrenia and taken by mouth. Loxapine is a capsule that’s taken two to four times per day. It has a maximum dosage of 250 mg per day in two to four divided doses. Clozapine is a tablet that’s taken one to two times per day. It has a maximum dosage of 900 mg per day.

Clozapine is used for other conditions besides schizophrenia. The dosage and strength may vary depending on the reason it’s being prescribed.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about which medication may be best for you and how to take it.

Is loxapine taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe loxapine oral capsule as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor find that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take loxapine oral capsule, talk with your doctor.

How loxapine is taken

You’ll swallow loxapine oral capsule two to four times per day. You can take it with or without food.

If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

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Overdose of loxapine

It’s important that you do not take more loxapine oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of loxapine overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • drowsiness
  • low blood pressure
  • respiratory depression (slowed breathing)
  • loss of consciousness

What to do if you take too much loxapine

If you think you’ve taken too much loxapine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for loxapine oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll decide the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of loxapine oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take loxapine oral capsule exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • How long will it be before my dosage of loxapine increases?
  • How will we know if the dosage is right?
  • Will a different dosage of loxapine raise or lower my risk of side effects?

Boxed warning for loxapine

Loxapine has a boxed warning for the increased risk of death in certain older adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Increased risk of death in certain older adults: Older adults (ages 65 years and older) with dementia-related psychosis are at an increased risk of death if they take loxapine. This warning applies to all medications in this group of drugs called antipsychotics.

Because of this warning, doctors typically will not prescribe loxapine to older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about this boxed warning.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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