Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: HALOPERIDOL DECANOATE - INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION (hal-oh-PAIR-ih-doll deck-ah-NO-ate)

BRAND NAME(S): Haldol

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat symptoms of certain types of mental conditions (e.g., schizophrenia).

HOW TO USE: This medication is injected into a muscle. It is not to be injected into a vein. This medication is the long-acting form of haloperidol and is usually administered once every 4 weeks. This medication must be used as prescribed. Do not stop using this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped.

SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, stomach upset, loss of appetite, headache, drooling, dry mouth, sweating, sleep disturbances or restlessness. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report: chest pain, aching muscles and joints, unusual bleeding or bruising, tremors, skin rash, involuntary movements of the face/tongue/mouth (chewing movements, puckering or twitching tongue). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: Parkinson's disease, liver or kidney problems, heart disease, thyroid disease, blood vessel disease, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, allergies, asthma, emphysema or other lung disease, seizures, alcohol use. Before having surgery (including dental surgery) with a general anesthetic, tell your doctor you are using haloperidol. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness. Limit your intake of alcohol as alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by haloperidol. Haloperidol should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using this medication. Haloperidol may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you become sun sensitive, stay out of the sun and wear protective clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses. Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold. Haloperidol reduces your ability to regulate body temperature which could result in overheating or severe chilling. Do not swim in cold water.