Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: haloperidol
BRAND NAME: Haldol
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Haloperidol is an antipsychotic
medication. It also is used to control tics and vocal utterances that are
part of Tourette's syndrome. Haloperidol interferes with the effects of neurotransmitters in the brain which are the chemical messengers that nerves manufacture and release to communicate with one another. It blocks receptors for the neurotransmitters (specifically the dopamine and serotonin type 2 receptors) on the nerves. As a result, the nerves are not "activated" by the neurotransmitters released by other nerves. Haloperidol was
approved by the FDA in 1967.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PRESCRIPTION: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 5mg, 10mg
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature,
15-30 °C (59-86 °F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Haloperidol is used for treating
psychotic disorders and for tics and vocal utterances of
Tourette's syndrome.
DOSING: Haloperidol has a wide range of doses. Patients should take it
as directed by their physician.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Haloperidol causes sedation, and sedation may be greater if haloperidol is taken with alcohol and other drugs than can cause sedation such as the
benzodiazepine class of anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., Valium, Ativan, Klonopin,
Xanax), the narcotic class of pain medications and its derivatives (e.g.,
Percocet, Vicodin, Dilaudid, Codeine, Darvon), the tricyclic class of
antidepressants (e.g., Elavil, Tofranil, Norpramin), some antihistamines
(Atarax, Vistaril, Benadryl, Tavist) and certain antihypertensive
medications (e.g., Catapres, Inderal). Carbamazepine (Tegretol) may
increase the elimination of haloperidol, rendering the carbamazepine less effective.
Rifampin (Rifadin) may decrease the elimination of haloperidol, increasing the risk
of side effects from haloperidol.
PREGNANCY: It is not known if haloperidol crosses the placenta and enters the fetus. In prescribing haloperidol to pregnant women, physicians must consider the potential benefit of haloperidol for the patient against the theoretical risk to the infant.
NURSING MOTHERS: Haloperidol
is secreted into breast milk.
It's safety in children and infants has not been established.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects associated
with haloperidol are extrapyramidal effects (sudden, often jerky,
involuntary motions of the head, neck, arms, body, or eyes), dizziness,
hyperactivity, tiredness, and nausea. Haloperidol may cause a condition
called "orthostatic hypotension" during the early phase of treatment (first week or two). Orthostatic hypotension causes patients to become dizzy upon arising from a lying or sitting position because of a fall in blood pressure.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 8/19/2000 12:21:00 PM
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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