Haloperidol

Antipsychotic Drug

Drug class: Typical Antipsychotic

Haloperidol (HALDOL) (中文:氟哌啶醇)

Common Strengths of Haloperidol Tablet

Haloperidol are available in the following strengths:

• Tablets: 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
• Oral drops: 2 mg/mL
• Injectable solution: 5 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL (decanoate)

Drug Trade Names of Haloperidol Tablet

• Haldol
• Serenace

Drug Usage

• Treatment of schizophrenia and other psychoses
• Control of tics and vocal utterances in Tourette's disorder
• Management of agitation, delirium, and acute psychosis

Mechanism of Action

Halperidol is a potent dopamine D₂ receptor antagonist in the brain.

Route of Administration

• Oral (tablets and liquid)
• Intramuscular injection
• Intravenous injection

Dosages

For schizophrenia/psychosis in adults:

• Oral: 0.5 - 5 mg 2 - 3 times daily, up to 30 mg/day for severe cases
• IM (lactate): 2 - 5 mg every 4 - 8 hours as needed, max 20 mg/day
• IM (decanoate):10 - 20 times daily oral dose given monthly

Side Effects

Frequency	Adverse reactions
Common	Insomnia
	Drowsiness and sedation
	Dizziness
	Dry mouth
	Blurred vision
	Constipation
	Weight gain
	Increased appetite
	Urinary retention
Serious	Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders): Muscle stiffness or spasms Tremors Restlessness (akathisia) Parkinson-like symptoms
	Taradive dyskinesia (potentially irreversible involuntary movements of face and tongue)
	Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental state)
	Low white blood cell count (agranulocytosis)
	Seizures
	QT prolongation leading to dangerous heart arrhythmias
	Hyperprolactinemia: Breast enlargement or milk production Menstrual changes
	Hypersensitivity reactions
	Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion

Pharmacokinetics

• Metabolism: Hepatic
• Elimination half-life: 14 to 26 hours (IV), 20.7 hours (IM), 14 to 37 hours (oral)
• Excretion: Biliary and renal
• Onset: 30 - 60 minutes (oral), rapid (IM/IV)
• Duration: 24 hours or longer

Drug Precautions

Pregnancy

Use only if potential benefits outweigh the risks. May cause extrapyramidal symptoms in newborns if used in the third trimester.

Breastfeeding

Use caution. Haloperidol is excreted in breast milk.

Children and Elderly

Use caution. Children may be more sensitive to side effects. Elderly patients may require lower doses and are at increased risk of adverse effects.

Monitoring Requirements

• Extrapyramidal symptoms
• ECG in patients at risk of QT prolongation
• Blood pressure
• Complete blood count
• Liver function tests

Drug Interactions

• Increased sedation with CNS depressants
• Increased risk of arrhythmias with drugs that prolong QT interval
• Reduced effectiveness of levodopa
• Increased plasma levels with CYP3A4 inhibitors

FAQ

How Should I Take the Tablet?

It can be taken with or without food.

What should I avoid while taking?

Avoid alcohol and activities requiring mental alertness until you know how haloperidol affects you.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double doses.