Evaluation of loxapine hydrochloride oral concentrate (loxitane C) in acute schizophrenia.

In an open study of 4-weeks duration, both an oral liquid concentrate formulation of loxapine hydrochloride (LOXITANE C) and capsules of loxapine succinate (LOXITANE) were administered to 11 acutely disturbed schizophrenic patients. Optimal dosage levels achieved with the concentrate proved satisfactory with the capsules. Efficacy evaluation with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Systematic Nurses' Observation of Psychopathology (SNOOP), and Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) indicated rapid improvement with concentrate administration and continued improvement with capsule administration. All but two side effects were extrapyramidal or sedative, all but one were mild or moderate in severity, and the frequency was similar with the two formulations. Cardiovascular and clinical laboratory findings remained essentially unchanged with both formulations.