Olanzapine (Systemic)

BRAND NAMES:
In the U.S.
Zyprexa
Zyprexa IntraMuscular
Zyprexa Zydis

Description
Olanzapine (oh-LAN-za-peen ) is used to treat psychotic mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and agitation that occurs with schizophrenia and bipolar mania.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Oral
Oral disintegrating tablets (U.S.)
Tablets (U.S.)
Parenteral
Injection (U.S.)

Proper Use of This Medicine
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor in order to improve your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered.

Olanzapine may be taken with or without food, on a full or an empty stomach. If your doctor tells you to take it a certain way, follow your doctor's instructions.

Dosing - The dose of olanzapine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of olanzapine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

For oral dosage form (orally disintegrating tablets and tablets):
For treatment of psychotic disorders, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia:
AdultsAt first, 5 to 10 milligrams (mg) once a day. This dose may be changed to a higher or lower dose by your doctor as needed.
Children up to 18 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For parenteral dosage form (intramuscular injection)
For treatment of agitation that occurs with schizophrenia or bipolar mania:
AdultsAt first, 10 mg per dose. This dose may be changed to a higher or lower dose by your doctor as needed.
ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible if you remember it the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.