Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LOXITANE IM versus MELLARIL.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LOXITANE IM versus MELLARIL.
LOXITANE IM vs MELLARIL
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
LOXITANE IM (loxapine) is a dibenzoxazepine antipsychotic. Its mechanism of action is not fully established but is thought to be mediated via antagonism of central dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. It has high affinity for D2, D3, D4, and 5-HT2A receptors and low affinity for D1 receptors. It also has moderate affinity for histamine H1 and alpha1-adrenergic receptors.
Thioridazine is a phenothiazine antipsychotic that blocks postsynaptic mesolimbic dopaminergic D1 and D2 receptors, and also blocks alpha-adrenergic receptors, histamine H1 receptors, and muscarinic M1 receptors.
Adults: 12.5-50 mg IM every 4-6 hours as needed, not to exceed 150 mg/day.
Typical adult dose: 10-25 mg orally 3 times daily. Maximum dose: 200 mg/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 8-12 hours. Clinically, steady-state reached in 2-3 days; dosing interval based on q6-12h.
Terminal elimination half-life 21-24 hours; steady-state achieved within 5-7 days
Primarily renal: 70% as metabolites; biliary/fecal: 30% as metabolites and unchanged drug.
Primarily renal (70-80% as metabolites, <1% unchanged); biliary/fecal (20-30%)
Category C
Category C
Antipsychotic
Antipsychotic