Part of a group of drugs known as "typical
antipsychotics," Haldol
® (
haloperidol) 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).
Haldol tablets and oral solution are approved to treat all of these conditions. The short-acting injectable form is approved to treat schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome, while the long-acting form is approved for chronic treatment of schizophrenia.
Haldol was originally manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics. While brand-name injectable Haldol is still available, brand-name tablets and oral solution are no longer being made. Generic versions are made by several different companies.
Haldol belongs to a group of medications called "typical" or (first-generation)
antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known precisely how the drug works. However, it is known that Haldol blocks or lessens the effects of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Dopamine may be elevated in people with
schizophrenia or other psychotic or behavior disorders.
When and How to Take the Drug
The following are some general considerations for when and how to take Haldol:
- The tablet and liquid forms of Haldol are usually taken by mouth two or three times a day.
- You can take Haldol with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- The liquid form may be better for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
- Haldol is also available in injectable forms, including a short-acting form (given several times per day) and a long-acting form (given just once a month).
- Haldol should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Haldol will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Haldol your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age and weight
- The severity of your condition
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Haldol. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Haldol Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
Haldol can potentially interact with a number of other medicines
(see Haldol Drug Interactions for more information about Haldol and other medicines).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Haldol?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Haldol may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Muscle weakness or rigid muscles
- Shakiness (tremors)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Drowsiness
- Coma
- Difficulty breathing
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
If you happen to take too much, seek prompt medical attention.
How Should Haldol Be Stored?
Haldol should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Both tablets and oral solution should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Haldol as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
- Haloperidol 0.5 mg
- Haloperidol 1 mg
- Haloperidol 2 mg
- Haloperidol 5 mg
- Haloperidol 10 mg
- Haloperidol 20 mg.
Generic
Haldol oral solution is available in one strength -- Haloperidol oral solution 2 mg per mL.
The injectable form is also available as a generic, in short-acting (haloperidol lactate) and long-acting (haloperidol decanoate) versions.
Are There Any Alternatives?
There are several alternatives to Haldol for the treatment of psychotic disorders. In addition to other "typical"
antipsychotics, there are newer "atypical" antipsychotics.
Atypical antipsychotic medications for the treatment of psychotic disorders can include:
Currently, all forms of Haldol are available in generic form
(see Generic Haldol for more information).
