Haldol

Haldol (generic name haloperidol) is a typical antipsychotic medication. It is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Haldol can also be used to treat other conditions, such as Tourette's syndrome, anxiety, and agitation caused by dementia. Haldol may also be used as a short-term treatment for sleep problems. Haldol is available in generic form.

Haldol is an antipsychotic medication that works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Haldol is available as a generic drug. Generic drugs are usually less expensive than the brand-name version.

Side Effects

Haldol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• blurred vision
• constipation
• weight gain
• dizziness
• tremor
• restlessness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• confusion
• agitation
• hallucinations
• uncontrollable muscle movements
• seizures
• difficulty breathing
• fast heartbeat
• sweating
• fever

Precautions

Before taking Haldol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other antipsychotics (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, thioridazine, ziprasidone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain disorders (such as seizures, head injury, tumor), blood disorders (such as leukopenia, porphyria), heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease, heart failure), kidney disease, liver disease, personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), stomach/intestine problems (such as blockage, constipation, diarrhea due to infection, paralysis), difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate), history of glaucoma.

Haldol may make you drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and difficulty urinating. Drowsiness and lightheadedness can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow/shallow breathing, muscle stiffness, seizures, sweating, dilated pupils.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, electrocardiogram, liver function tests) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you have been taking this medication regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to haloperidol: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating

General

The most commonly reported adverse reactions have included drowsiness, dystonia, extrapyramidal disorder, parkinsonism, and akathisia.

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Orthostatic hypotension (up to 28%), hypotension (up to 18.7%), hypertension (up to 11.3%)

Common (1% to 10%): Arrhythmia (including ventricular arrhythmia and tachycardia), ECG T-wave changes