Haloperidol is a drug used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia. In addition, this drug can also be used to treat p disordersesevere behavior in children or control symptom Tourette's syndrome.
Haloperidol works by restoring the balance of natural chemicals in the brain. That way, the mind becomes calmer and clearer, is not nervous, does not behave aggressively, and there is no desire to hurt others.
Haloperidol trademark: Dores, Govotil, Haloperidol, Haldol Decanoas, Lodomer, Upsikis
What is Haloperidol
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antipsychotic |
| Benefit | Relieves symptoms of schizophrenia, treats behavioral disorders, and controls symptoms of Tourette's syndrome |
| Used by | Adults and children 3 years old |
| Haloperidol for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Haloperidol can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, mouth drops, injections |
Precautions Before Using Haloperidol
Haloperidol should only be used under a doctor's prescription. There are several things that must be considered before using this drug, including:
- Do not use haloperidol if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not drive, engage in activities that require alertness, or consume alcoholic beverages, while taking haloperidol, as this medicine can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Do not stop using haloperidol carelessly without consulting your doctor first.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of major depression, arrhythmia, Parkinson's disease, bipolar disorder, prostate disorder, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, ileus, heart disease, epilepsy, or seizures.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Haloperidol can reduce your ability to sweat, which can lead to heat stroke. Avoid or limit activities in hot weather or in direct sunlight.
- If you are planning on having dental work or surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking haloperidol.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, a more serious side effect, or an overdose after using haloperidol.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Haloperidol
The following are general doses of haloperidol based on the condition, form of drug, and age of the patient:
Haloperidol tablet and liquid medicine
Condition: Psychosis, schizophrenia or mania
- Mature: 0.5–5 mg, 2-3 times daily. The maintenance dose is 3–10 mg per day depending on the patient's response to the drug.
- Childages 3–12 years: Initial dose is 0.5 mg per day. The dose can be increased to 1–4 mg per day if needed. The maximum dose is 6 mg per day.
- Children aged 13–17 years: Initial dose is 0.5 mg per day. The dose may be increased to 1–6 mg per day if necessary. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day.
- seniors: 0.5–2 mg, 2-3 times daily. The maximum dose is 20 mg per day.
Condition: Tourette's syndrome
- Mature: 0.5–5 mg, 2-3 times daily. The maintenance dose is 4 mg per day. The maximum dose is 30 mg per day.
- Childrenages 3–12 years: Initial dose is 0.25 mg per day. The dose may be increased to 0.5–3 mg per day if necessary. The maximum dose is 3 mg per day.
- Youth ages 13–17: Initial dose is 0.5 mg per day. The dose may be increased to 2–6 mg per day if necessary. The maximum dose is 6 mg per day.
Haloperidol injection
Condition: Psychosis, schizophrenia
- Mature: initial dose of 2–10 mg given over 1 hour until symptoms subside, given by intramuscular injection. Subsequent doses can be given 4–8 hours apart. The maximum dose is 18 mg per day.
How to Use Haloperidol Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the packaging before using haloperidol. Haloperidol injectable type is only given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
For haloperidol tablets and haloperidol liquid, take them at the same time every day for maximum effect. If you forget to take it, it is advisable to consume it as soon as you remember if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Haloperidol tablets can be taken before or after meals. For liquid haloperidol in the form of drinking drops, take it according to the dosage on the bottle or medicine package. Do not use other doses to take this medicine.
Store haloperidol at room temperature. Do not store it in a humid place or in direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Haloperidol Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interactions that may occur when taking haloperidol with other drugs:
- Increased risk of QT prolongation if used with procainamide, quinidine, pentamidine, amiodarone, disopyramide, azole antifungals, or macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin
- Increases blood levels of haloperidol when used with lomitapide, tucatinib, abiraterone, or botox
- Lowering blood levels of haloperidol when used with carbamazepine
- Increases the sedative effect of alprazolam, amitriptyline, or anticholinergic drugs
Haloperidol Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that may appear after using haloperidol are:
- Drowsiness
- Dizzy
- Headache
- Hard to sleep
- Difficult to urinate
- Weak
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- muscle stiffness
- Muscle spasm
- High fever
- Heart beat
- Body shaking or tremors
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Seizures
- Nervous
- Chest pain
- Excessive salivation or urination
- Blurred vision
- Loss of appetite
- Mood swings
- Swollen and painful breasts
- Faint
- Decreased sexual desire in men
- Hard to breathe
- Hyperpolactinemia