Haldol

What is it?

An antipsychotic preparation available tablets in two strengths; quarter-scored, blue tablets contain 5mg of haloperidol, marked Janssen; scored, yellow tablets, marked Janssen and H10, contain 10mg. Also, HALDOL ORAL LIQUID, a solution containing 2mg of haloperidol per ml. Also, HALDOL INJECTION, available in ampoules for injection containing 5mg of haloperidol per ml. Also, HALDOL DECANOATE, a depot butyrophenone, available in ampoules for injection in two strengths, containing 50mg or 100mg of haloperidol as decanoate per ml.

Medical Uses

Tablets and oral liquid: mania, psychotic states, hypomania, schizophrenia, disorders of behaviour, dangerous impulsiveness, additional treatment in short-term control of psychomotor agitation, agitated/ restless states in elderly, agitation, excitement, severe tics, severe hiccups which has not responded to other treatments, Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome (abnormal, psychological and neurological condition of childhood characterised by tics of the face and arms, speech disorders, grunting, shouting). Haldol injection, adults only: conditions listed plus nausea and vomiting. Haldol Decanoate: longterm treatment of adults with schizophrenia, behavioural and psychological disorders, psychosis.

Dosage

Tablets and oral liquid, adults, moderate severity, 1.5 to 3mg, 2 or 3 times each day; very severe or intractable disorders, 3 to 5mg, 2 or 3 times each day increasing gradually, according to need. Once condition is controlled, dose should be reduced for maintenance. Children, 0.025 to 0.05mg per kg of body weight each day as 2 divided doses, to a maximum daily dose of 10mg. Haldol injection, adults only, psychotic disorders etc. , 2 to 10mg given by intramuscular mice- Lion, repeated every 4 to 8 hours to a maximum daily dose of 18mg; nausea and vomiting, 1 to 2mg by intramuscular injection. Haldol Decanoate, adults only, usually in order of 50 to 300mg by deep intramuscular injection, once each month. Dose adjusted according to individual need, response and severity of condition. Elderly patients, 12.5 to 25mg by deep intramuscular injection every 4 weeks to start, adjusted according to response.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney or liver failure, serious heart or circulatory disease, phaeochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour), thyroid gland disorders, prolonged Q-1' interval (part of electrocardiogram, indicating length of refractory period of heart - can reflect serious ventricular disorder, if very prolonged), epilepsy, low blood potassium levels.

Avoid Use

Parkinson's disease, patients in coma, depressed central nervous system, lesions of basal ganglia of brain. Possible interaction and side effects - see manufacturer's prescribing notes.