Zyprexa® Intramuscular for Rapid Control of Acute Agitation

What Zyprexa® Is and How It Works

Zyprexa Intramuscular is olanzapine for intramuscular injection. It is used for rapid control of acute agitation in adults with schizophrenia or bipolar I mania. It blocks dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which helps reduce agitation and improve behavioral control. Zyprexa IM is short-acting and is often followed by oral olanzapine.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; licensed pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing, we offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices with OTC health products, and you can order online or by phone, with customer-service chat during posted hours.

Many customers compare the Zyprexa Intramuscular price across pharmacies to manage out-of-pocket costs. You can buy Zyprexa Intramuscular online from Canada and ship to the US, including if you need Zyprexa Intramuscular without insurance. We also work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to source authentic brands, offering a wide selection at affordable pricing.

The vial contains a powder that is reconstituted to a short-acting solution for intramuscular use only. It is not for intravenous or subcutaneous administration. Typical adult dosing is 2.5–10 mg per injection. Clinicians may repeat dosing based on response and safety limits.

Dosage and Usage

• Indication: acute agitation in schizophrenia or bipolar I mania; for intramuscular use only.
• Initial adult dose: often 10 mg IM once. Some patients start at 5 mg.
• Repeat dosing: may repeat at intervals of about 2 hours based on response.
• Daily maximum: do not exceed 30 mg in 24 hours for short-acting IM olanzapine.
• Elderly or debilitated: consider 2.5–5 mg IM initially, with cautious titration.
• Hepatic impairment or risk of hypotension: consider lower initial doses.
• Do not give intravenously or subcutaneously.
• Parenteral benzodiazepines: avoid concomitant administration; separate by at least 1 hour due to risks of hypotension and respiratory depression.
• Transition to oral therapy: give oral olanzapine as soon as clinically appropriate, often within 24 hours.
• Missed dose scenario: if a planned dose in a treatment protocol is missed, contact the prescriber for instructions.
• Reconstitution (for professionals): prepare to 5 mg/mL with sterile water for injection; use promptly and discard any remainder.

• Store unopened vials at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) in the original carton; protect from light and moisture.
• Do not freeze. Keep vials dry and intact until reconstitution.
• After reconstitution: use within 1 hour. Discard any unused solution.
• Travel: keep vials in original packaging with the pharmacy label. Use a rigid case to prevent breakage.
• Avoid temperature extremes in cars and luggage. Do not leave in direct sun or near heaters.
• Keep all supplies out of reach of children and pets.
• When your parcel arrives, check contents promptly; store at room temperature unless directed otherwise.

Benefits and Savings

Zyprexa IM acts quickly to reduce agitation without starting an IV line. Clinicians can adjust the dose to balance calming effects with alertness. It pairs well with a plan to continue oral therapy once the crisis settles. This supports continuity of care.

Ordering from Canada can lower the Zyprexa Intramuscular cost. Many patients and clinics save 60–80% versus typical US prices. You can order Zyprexa Intramuscular without insurance and still access Canadian pricing. Multi-vial purchases may help reduce the per-dose cost for eligible orders.

For promotions, see our Zyprexa Intramuscular coupon page.

We also offer reminders to help you reorder before supplies run low. Bulk promotions and multi-month supplies, where appropriate, can reduce the monthly average cost.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: somnolence, dizziness, injection-site discomfort, dry mouth, constipation, asthenia.
• Metabolic: increased appetite or weight over time with repeated use.
• Neurologic: akathisia, tremor, extrapyramidal symptoms (usually mild and uncommon).
• Cardiovascular: orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia.
• Gastrointestinal: nausea, abdominal discomfort.
• General: fatigue, transient increases in liver enzymes.

Serious risks are uncommon but include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, severe hypotension/syncope, seizures, hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, leukopenia/neutropenia, and tardive dyskinesia with long-term exposure. There is increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis; olanzapine IM is not indicated in this population. Combining with parenteral benzodiazepines or alcohol can increase sedation, hypotension, and respiratory depression. When used with insulin or sulfonylureas, adjust diabetes therapy as needed to reduce hypoglycemia risk.

Onset Time

Calming often begins within 15–45 minutes after an intramuscular dose. Peak effect is typically seen within 1–2 hours. Duration of action ranges from about 2–4 hours for a single dose, and sometimes longer depending on clinical context. Transition to oral olanzapine is commonly done within 24 hours to maintain symptom control.

Compare With Alternatives

Haloperidol IM is a first-generation antipsychotic option. It can be effective for agitation but may carry a higher risk of extrapyramidal symptoms. Some protocols pair haloperidol with an antihistamine, while monitoring for QT prolongation and dystonia.

Ziprasidone IM is another atypical antipsychotic with a rapid effect on agitation. It may cause more QT prolongation than olanzapine, so cardiac risk factors need consideration. Onset and duration are similar, and follow-up with an oral agent is common.

For ongoing therapy after stabilization, oral options such as Zyprexa® or the orally disintegrating Zyprexa® Zydis can support maintenance treatment, with dosing individualized by the prescriber.

Combination Therapy

• Oral transition: start oral olanzapine as soon as appropriate to maintain response.
• Parenteral benzodiazepines: avoid coadministration; if used, separate by at least 1 hour and monitor closely.
• Mood stabilizers: lithium or valproate are often used in bipolar I; monitor for additive sedation.
• Anticholinergics: may be used short term if extrapyramidal symptoms occur.
• Diabetes medicines: reduce insulin or sulfonylurea doses if needed to lower hypoglycemia risk as agitation resolves and intake changes.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Adults with acute agitation in schizophrenia or bipolar I mania may be candidates for olanzapine IM when a rapid effect is required. It should be administered by qualified healthcare professionals. It is not for intravenous or subcutaneous use, and not indicated in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.

Caution is warranted in patients with a history of diabetes, severe obesity, dyslipidemia, hepatic impairment, seizure disorders, prostatic hypertrophy, or narrow-angle glaucoma. Review all medicines for interactions that increase sedation or hypotension.

To manage costs, compare the Zyprexa Intramuscular cash price across pack sizes. Reorder reminders can help you avoid urgent, higher-cost purchases. Clinics may prefer multi-vial orders or bulk promotions to reduce the per-dose expense. Patients who are uninsured can still access Canadian pricing; Zyprexa Intramuscular uninsured buyers often see meaningful savings.

Authoritative Sources

Eli Lilly Zyprexa IntraMuscular (olanzapine) US Prescribing Information
Health Canada Drug Product Database: olanzapine injection listings
FDA Labeling and Medication Guide for Olanzapine

Order Zyprexa® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician about diagnosis, treatment choices, and dosing.