Part of a class of drugs known as "typical
antipsychotics," haloperidol (
Haldol®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat the following conditions:
- Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia
- Tics (including vocal tics) associated with Tourette syndrome
- Severe behavior problems in children
- Severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children (for short-term use only).
Haloperidol tablets and oral solution are approved to treat the conditions listed above. Short-acting injectable haloperidol is approved to treat schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome, while long-acting injectable haloperidol is approved for chronic treatment of schizophrenia.
Side Effects of Haloperidol
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects.
However, not everyone who takes this medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of this medication include, but are not limited to:
(Click Side Effects of Haloperidol to learn about specific side effects of this drug, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider. You can also read about possible side effects by going to:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Haloperidol belongs to a group of medications called "typical" or (first-generation)
antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known precisely how haloperidol works. However, it is known that it blocks or lessens the effects of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Dopamine may be elevated in people with
schizophrenia or other psychotic or behavior disorders.
When and How to Take Haloperidol
The following are some general considerations for when and how to take this medication:
- Haloperidol comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth two or three times a day.
- You can take it with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- A liquid form of haloperidol is available for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
- The drug is also available in injectable forms, including a short-acting form (given several times per day) and a long-acting form (given just once a month).
- Haloperidol should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age and weight
- The severity of your condition
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Haloperidol can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
Overdose With Haloperidol
People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Muscle weakness or rigid muscles
- Shakiness (tremors)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Drowsiness
- Coma
- Difficulty breathing
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Haloperidol tablets and oral solution should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep haloperidol and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your haloperidol as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Haloperidol was originally manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics. While brand-name injectable haloperidol is still available, brand-name haloperidol tablets and oral liquid are no longer being made. Generic haloperidol is made by several different companies.
Generic haloperidol tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Haloperidol 0.5 mg
- Haloperidol 1 mg
- Haloperidol 2 mg
- Haloperidol 5 mg
- Haloperidol 10 mg
- Haloperidol 20 mg.
Generic haloperidol oral solution is available in one strength -- Haloperidol oral solution 2 mg per mL.
Injectable haloperidol is also available, in short-acting (haloperidol lactate) and long-acting (haloperidol decanoate) forms.
There are several alternatives to haloperidol for the treatment of psychotic disorders. In addition to other "typical"
antipsychotics, there are also newer "atypical" antipsychotics.
Atypical antipsychotic medications used for the treatment of psychotic disorders can include:
(Click Haldol Alternatives for more information, including non-medication alternatives to haloperidol.)
Currently, all forms of haloperidol have generic versions licensed for sale.
