Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia and mood disorders. It is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia such as delirium and hallucinations as well as agitation and confusion. Haloperidol may also be used in the treatment of hiccups, tics, and intractable (uncontrolled) vomiting.
Haloperidol comes in pill form, as a 2 mg/mL oral solution, and in a 5 mg/mL injectable form and is sold under the brand name Haldol. A 50 mg/mL injection of haloperidol decanoate is also available under the brand name Haldol Decanoate.
Haloperidol is a prescription medication that should only be taken with a doctor's supervision. It can be found at most pharmacies.
Indications for use
Haloperidol is indicated for the treatment of psychological disorders and other conditions such as:
- Delirium or hallucinations related to acute or chronic schizophrenia;
- Acute mental confusion;
- Mania or dementia;
- Agitation or aggression in the elderly;
- Psychiatric disorders in children that present with psychomotor agitation;
- Impulsivity and aggression;
- Tourette syndrome;
- Psychomotor agitation;
- Nausea and vomiting that is not controlled by other medications;
- Uncontrollable hiccups;
- Tics.
In addition, haloperidol can be used as maintenance therapy in people with stable chronic psychosis.
Haloperidol comes in liquid, pill, and injectable form and effects may be seen about three weeks after starting treatment.
How to take
Haloperidol comes in several formulations that may be indicated in different situations. These formulations include:
1. Haloperidol 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg pills
The pill form of haloperidol is taken orally (by mouth) with a full glass of water and can be taken with or without a meal.
The recommended starting dose for adults is typically between 0.5 to 2 mg, two to three times a day, as determined by a doctor. The dose may be increased by a doctor based on treatment response and the presence of any side effects.
The maintenance dose for haloperidol should be the lowest dose that achieves the desired therapeutic effect, and is usually between 1 and 15 mg per day.
Lower doses of haloperidol should be used in older adults.
2. Haloperidol 2 mg/mL oral solution
Haloperidol 2 mg/mL oral solution should be diluted in a small glass of water or juice and taken by mouth.
The typical dose recommended for children is 0.1 mg per 3 kg of body weight and will be calculated by a pediatrician.
3. Haloperidol 5 mg/mL injection
Haloperidol 5 mg/mL injectable solution is administered as an intramuscular injection by a nurse, and is typically used in hospitals and health centers. The recommended dose varies based on indication and will be determined by the prescribing physician.
Injectable haloperidol is typically indicated in cases of acute psychomotor agitation or when the oral route is not an option.
4. Haloperidol decanoate 50 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL injection
Haloperidol decanoate comes as an intramuscular injection that should be given directly into a deep muscle in the buttock. It is administered once a month by a nurse for the treatment of adults with stable chronic psychosis and is used along with other antipsychotic medications.
Dosing of haloperidol decanoate should be individualized and will vary based on severity of symptoms and the presence of other health conditions as determined by a doctor.
Effects of the medication may be felt 3 to 9 days following the first injection.
Side effects
The most common side effects of haloperidol include:
- Somnolence (sleepiness);
- Headache;
- Dizziness;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Restlessness or anxiety;
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping;
- Low blood pressure;
- Vision changes;
- Irregular or heavy periods in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB);
- Impotence or erectile dysfunction in men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB);
- Breast milk production in both males and females;
- Slow, rigid, or jerky movements involving the neck, face, eyes, mouth, and tongue.
Call your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects such as uncontrolled facial movements, neck spasms, difficulty swallowing, rapid changes in mood or behavior, fast heart beat, a vibrating sensation in the chest, shortness of breath, or sudden dizziness.
You should also tell your doctor right away if you develop other symptoms such as a productive cough (with phlegm), chest pain, fever, cold sweats, excessive sweating, mouth or skin sores, confusion, or tremors.
Contraindications to use
Haloperidol should not be used in individuals with Parkinson's disease or people with somnolence or sluggishness caused by illness, medications, or alcohol use. People with an allergy to haloperidol or any of its components should not take haloperidol.
In addition, haloperidol should not be used in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor after evaluating the risks and benefits of treatment. Haloperidol passes through both the placenta and the breast milk.
Haloperidol should be used with caution in people with a high risk for blood clots, bone marrow suppression, depression, liver problems, epilepsy (seizures), hyperthyroidism, and severe heart disease.