Haloperidol

Haloperidol is a drug that is licensed to treat psychotic disorders, tics due to Tourette syndrome, severe behavior problems in children, and severe ADHD in children. The medication works by blocking or lessening the effects of a certain chemical in the brain called dopamine. Haloperidol is available as a tablet, an oral solution, and an injection. As with any drug, there are possible side effects with haloperidol. Some of the more common side effects seen with this drug include confusion, insomnia, and vertigo.

 

What Is Haloperidol?

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 above conditions Short-acting injectable haloperidol is approved to treat schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome, while long-acting injectable haloperidol is approved for chronic treatment of schizophrenia.
 

Who Makes Haloperidol?

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.
 
(Click What Is Haloperidol Used For? for more information on what haloperidol is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;