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haloperidol
Apo-Haloperidol†, Dozic§, Haldol**, Novo-Peridol†, Peridol†, Serenace§‡

haloperidol decanoate
Haldol Decanoate, Haldol LA†

haloperidol lactate
Haldol, Haldol Concentrate, Haloperidol Injection, Haloperidol Intensol

Pregnancy Risk Category C

How supplied
haloperidol

Tablets:
0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
haloperidol decanoate

Injection:
50 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml
haloperidol lactate

Oral concentrate:
2 mg/ml
Injection:
5 mg/ml

Action
Unknown. A butyrophenone that probably exerts its antipsychotic effects by blocking postsynaptic dopamine receptors in the brain.

Indications & dosage
Psychotic disorders--

Adults and children ages 12 and older:
dosage varies for each patient. Initial range, 0.5 to 5 mg P.O. b.i.d. or t.i.d.; or 2 to 5 mg I.M. q 4 to 8 hours, although hourly administration may be needed until control obtained. Maximum dose is 100 mg P.O. daily.
Children ages 3 to 12:
0.05 mg/kg to 0.15 mg/kg P.O. daily. Severely disturbed children may need higher doses.
Chronic psychotic patients who need prolonged therapy--

Adults:
50 to 100 mg I.M. decanoate q 4 weeks.
Nonpsychotic behavior disorders--

Children ages 3 to 12:
0.05 mg/kg P.O. daily. Maximum daily dose is 6 mg.
Tourette syndrome--

Adults:
0.5 to 5 mg P.O. b.i.d. or t.i.d., or p.r.n.
Children ages 3 to 12:
0.05 to 0.075 mg/kg P.O. daily in two or three divided doses.
Elderly:
0.5 to 2 mg P.O. b.i.d. or t.i.d., increased gradually, p.r.n.
Adjust-a-dose:
For debilitated patients, use 0.5 to 2 mg P.O. b.i.d. or t.i.d., increased gradually, p.r.n.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
severe extrapyramidal reactions, tardive dyskinesia, sedation, drowsiness, lethargy, headache, insomnia, confusion, vertigo, seizures.
CV:
tachycardia, hypotension, hypertension, ECG changes.
EENT:
blurred vision.
GI:
dry mouth, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia.
GU:
urine retention, menstrual irregularities, gynecomastia, priapism.
Hematologic:
leukopenia, leukocytosis.
Hepatic:
altered liver function test results, jaundice.
Skin:
rash, other skin reactions, diaphoresis.
Other:
neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Anticholinergics: increased anticholinergic effects, glaucoma. Avoid concomitant use.
CNS depressants:
increased CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.
Lithium:
lethargy and confusion after high doses. Monitor patient.
Drug-herb.
Nutmeg: may reduce effectiveness or interfere with drug therapy. Avoid concomitant use.
Drug-lifestyle.
Alcohol use: increased CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug and in those experiencing parkinsonism, coma, or CNS depression.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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