
Haloperidol, sold under the brand name Haldol, is a typical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, mania in bipolar disorder, delirium, agitation, acute psychosis, and hallucinations from alcohol withdrawal. It is also used off-label for acute agitation and severe behavioral disorders in children. Haloperidol is relatively inexpensive compared to newer antipsychotics and is commonly used worldwide. It can be administered orally or through injection and is considered indispensable for treating psychiatric emergency situations, especially in violent and self-harming patients. However, it should be used cautiously during pregnancy due to potential fetal risks, and it is known to pass into breast milk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Haldol |
| Drug Type | Antipsychotic |
| Administration | Oral, Intramuscular Injection, Intravenous Injection |
| Indications | Schizophrenia, Tourette Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Delirium, Agitation, Acute Psychosis, Alcohol Withdrawal, Severe Behavioral Disorders in Children |
| Side Effects | Extrapyramidal Symptoms, Allergic Reactions, Tardive Dyskinesia, Akathisia, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, QT Interval Prolongation |
| Pregnancy Risk | Potential Fetal Risk and Withdrawal Symptoms in Newborns |
| Breastfeeding Risk | Haloperidol Passes into Breast Milk |
| Dosage | 0.5-20 mg Oral Tablets, 2 mg/mL Oral Solution, Injectable Forms |
| Cost | Relatively Inexpensive |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic medication
Haloperidol, sold under the brand name Haldol, is a typical antipsychotic medication. It is a first-generation antipsychotic drug commonly used worldwide to block dopamine D2 receptors in the brain and exert its antipsychotic action. Haloperidol is used to treat positive symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech. It is also effective in managing tics and vocal expressions in Tourette syndrome.
Haloperidol is one of the most frequently used antipsychotic medications worldwide. It is often used in the treatment of acute psychosis, such as drug-induced psychosis caused by ketamine and phencyclidine, and psychosis associated with high fever or metabolic disease. It is also used in the adjunctive treatment of alcohol and opioid withdrawal, as well as agitation and confusion associated with cerebral sclerosis. Haloperidol is also indicated for the treatment of severe behavioral disorders in children, characterized by combative and explosive hyperexcitability, as well as hyperactivity.
The medication is available in various oral tablet strengths, ranging from 0.5 mg to 20 mg, as well as a 2 mg/mL oral solution. It can also be administered through injection, typically given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. The decanoate ester of haloperidol, or haloperidol decanoate, has a longer duration of action and is often used in individuals who do not comply with oral medication. It is administered through intramuscular injection once every two to four weeks.
Haloperidol exhibits several side effects, including movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia and akathisia, which may be permanent. It may also cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome and QT interval prolongation, particularly with IV administration. In older individuals with psychosis due to dementia, the use of haloperidol has been associated with an increased risk of death. Other side effects include sedation, weight gain, and prolactin changes. It is important to consult a physician or qualified medical professional for any questions or concerns regarding the use of haloperidol or any other medication.
Get Hired as a New CNA: Hospital Edition
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It is used to treat schizophrenia
Haloperidol, sold under the brand name Haldol, is a typical antipsychotic medication. It is used to treat schizophrenia and its positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. It is a first-generation antipsychotic that blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain. The medication is relatively inexpensive, being significantly more affordable than newer antipsychotics.
Haloperidol is commonly used to treat schizophrenia and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is often used in individuals who are noncompliant with oral medication, as it can be administered through intramuscular injection. The long-acting formulation is typically injected once every four weeks.
The dosage of haloperidol for treating schizophrenia varies, with oral tablets available in strengths of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. The injectable form is usually administered by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. According to the American Psychiatry Association guidelines, individuals with schizophrenia should have a comprehensive and well-documented patient-centered treatment plan that includes evidence-based therapeutic approaches, which may include haloperidol.
While haloperidol is effective in treating schizophrenia, it can cause side effects. These side effects can include movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia and akathisia, which may become permanent. Other serious side effects include neuroleptic malignant syndrome and QT interval prolongation, particularly with intravenous administration. In older individuals with psychosis due to dementia, haloperidol use increases the risk of death.
Additionally, caution should be exercised when administering haloperidol to pregnant women, as it may cause fetal harm. Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs are at risk of extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery. Breastfeeding women should also be cautious, as haloperidol passes into breast milk, although studies have shown minimal adverse effects on infant growth and development.
HIPAA Compliance: Are Hospitals Covered Entities?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It is used to treat Tourette syndrome
Haloperidol, commonly known as Haldol, is a typical antipsychotic medication used to treat Tourette syndrome. It is effective in managing tics and vocal expressions associated with Tourette syndrome in both adults and children. The medication blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, helping to reduce the severity and frequency of tics.
The dosage of Haldol for treating Tourette syndrome is typically weight-based and ranges from 0.05 to 0.075 mg/kg/day. The recommended maintenance dosage is between 1 and 4 mg daily, divided into two or three equal doses. It is important to note that the medication may cause side effects, including neurological issues such as stiffness, tremors, and, in rare cases, prolonged muscle contractions known as acute dystonia. These side effects are reversible upon discontinuation of the medication.
Haldol is often used in combination with other treatments, such as behavioural and psychological therapies, to manage Tourette syndrome effectively. While it has shown effectiveness in treating tics, it is important to consider potential side effects and the variability of effectiveness across individuals. The medication may also be used off-label for acute agitation, with a dosage range of 0.5 to 10 mg administered orally every 1 to 4 hours.
The use of Haldol in treating Tourette syndrome has been supported by its approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is one of only three agents, including pimozide and aripiprazole, specifically approved by the FDA for the suppression of Tourette syndrome-related tics. This approval highlights its recognised benefits in managing the condition.
It is important to note that while Haldol can be an effective treatment option for Tourette syndrome, it may not work for everyone, and side effects should be carefully monitored. Additionally, the medication is not typically stored at home and is usually administered by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic setting.
Kristen Storms: Still a General Hospital Fixture?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It is used in psychiatric emergency situations
Haloperidol, sold under the brand name Haldol, is a typical antipsychotic medication. It is used to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations and delusions. It is also used to treat Tourette syndrome, mania in bipolar disorder, delirium, agitation, acute psychosis, and hallucinations from alcohol withdrawal. The medication works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain.
Haloperidol is commonly used in psychiatric emergency situations, particularly for violent and self-harming patients. It is often administered as a chemical restraint in acute care psychiatry, although this use is controversial. The medication can be given orally or via injection into a muscle or vein. Injectable haloperidol is typically administered by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic and is not stored at home.
The dosage of haloperidol varies depending on the condition being treated and patient characteristics. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry guidelines recommend a starting dosage of 0.25 to 0.5 mg daily for Tourette syndrome. For acute agitation, off-label dosing ranges from 0.5 to 10 mg orally, administered every 1 to 4 hours, with a recommended maximum daily dosage of 100 mg.
Haloperidol has been associated with several side effects, including movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia and akathisia, which may be permanent. Other serious side effects include neuroleptic malignant syndrome and QT interval prolongation, particularly with intravenous administration. In older people with psychosis due to dementia, haloperidol use has been linked to an increased risk of death. Additionally, there is a risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed to haloperidol in utero or through breastfeeding.
Hospitals: Saving Thousands of Lives Daily
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It can be administered orally or via injection
Haloperidol, sold under the brand name Haldol, is a typical antipsychotic medication. It is commonly used to block dopamine D2 receptors in the brain and exert its antipsychotic action. The medication is used to manage the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations and delusions. It is also used to manage tics and vocal expressions in Tourette syndrome, as well as severe behavioural disorders in children.
Haldol can be administered orally or via injection. Orally, it comes in tablet and liquid form, with tablet strengths ranging from 0.5 mg to 20 mg. It should be stored at room temperature between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C) and avoided freezing for the oral liquid formulation. Injectable Haldol is typically administered by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic, and it is not stored at home. The injectable form is often used for people who are noncompliant with oral medication or who have schizophrenia or related illnesses and may refuse or forget to take the medication by mouth.
The dosage of Haldol depends on the condition being treated and patient characteristics. For example, in the treatment of Tourette syndrome, the usual starting dosage is 0.25 to 0.5 mg daily, while the recommended maintenance dosage ranges from 1 to 4 mg daily, administered in 2 or 3 equally divided doses. In the case of acute agitation, an off-label dosing of 0.5 to 10 mg orally may be given every 1 to 4 hours, not exceeding a maximum daily dosage of 100 mg.
While Haldol has been a common treatment option, it is associated with several side effects, including movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia and akathisia, which may be permanent. Other serious side effects include neuroleptic malignant syndrome and QT interval prolongation, particularly with IV administration. Additionally, caution should be exercised during pregnancy as there are potential risks to the fetus, and neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs may experience extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery.
Hospital Tooth Extraction: When and Where?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Haldol, or haloperidol, is a typical antipsychotic medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, mania in bipolar disorder, delirium, and hallucinations from alcohol withdrawal. It is effective in managing positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. It is also used in psychiatric emergency situations, especially for violent and self-harming patients. However, it is not given to everyone and is prescribed under the supervision of a psychiatrist.
Haldol is available in oral tablet and liquid forms, with various dosage strengths ranging from 0.5 mg to 20 mg. It can also be administered through injection, usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.
Common side effects of Haldol include movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia and akathisia, which may be permanent. Other possible side effects include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, QT interval prolongation (especially with IV administration), and severe allergic reactions.
While Haldol has been linked to possible fetal damage during pregnancy, the decision to prescribe it should be made only if the benefits to the mother clearly outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Neonates exposed to Haldol may experience extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery, such as agitation, tremors, and respiratory distress.































