(ha-loe-PER-i-dole)
NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Alzheimer’s disease, autism, hiccups, prevention of post-op nausea and vomiting
ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Psychotic disorders, Tourette’s syndrome, severe behavioral problems in children, hyperactivity
BRAND NAME
Haldol, Haldol Decanoate
DRUG CLASS
Antipsychotic (butyrophenone)
DESCRIPTION
Researchers believe that antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, reducing levels of dopamine, which stabilizes mental activity.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Motor restlessness, uncontrolled voluntary movements, excessive involuntary movements, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, sedation, headache, confusion, lethargy, rash,
menstrual irregularities, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, blurred vision, may cause changes in heart rhythm (prolongation of QT interval in cardiac monitoring), various blood disorders.
CAUTIONS
- Not for use if you have Parkinson’s disease, severe central nervous system depression, bone marrow suppression, severe heart or liver disease. Use caution if you have cardiovascular disease, predisposition to seizures, subcortical brain damage, kidney or lung disease (especially if you are at risk for pneumonia).
- Use caution if you have breast cancer or other prolactin-dependent tumors, decreased gastrointestinal motility, urinary retention, benign prostatic hypertrophy, dry mouth, or visual problems.
- May cause tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome characterized by involuntary, irregular muscle movements. The risk of developing these effects and the potential for irreversibility are increased as the dose and length of treatment increase.
- May cause extrapyramidal symptoms (such as uncontrolled tremors, motor restlessness, etc.).
- May increase prolactin levels, interfere with thermoregulation, predisposing patients, particularly the elderly to heat stroke.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
This drug effects and is metabolized by a specific set of liver enzymes. Several other drugs also interfere with or are metabolized by these liver enzymes, and thus may increase or decrease the clearance of haloperidol from the body, potentially increasing
the risk of side effects or decreasing effectiveness. Haloperidol may also affect the risk of side effects with other medications. Sometimes, these combinations are not recommended. When these drugs are given in combination with haloperidol, dosage adjustments may be needed. As these are too numerous to list, you should always
check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to starting a new medication, herbal, or nonprescription product.
In addition, the administration of this drug with other drugs that affect the QT interval, should be avoided.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Unknown
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Valerian, St. John’s wort, kava kava, gotu kola, betel nut, ginkgo biloba
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category C. Excreted in breast milk; not recommended during breast-feeding.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Sound-alike/look-alike issues: Haloperidol may be confused with Halostein. Haldol may be confused with Halcion, Halenol, Halog, Halotensin, Stadol. Haloperidol safety and efficacy has not been established in children less than three years of age.
May alter cardiac conduction - life threatening arrhythmias have occurred at therapeutic doses of antipsychotic.
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