Daily Medication Pearl: Haloperidol (Haldol)

Medication Pearl of the Day: Haloperidol (Haldol)

Indication: Haloperidol (Haldol) is indicated for use in the treatment of schizophrenia and is indicated to control the symptoms of Tourette's disorder. Haloperidol may also used to treat severe behavioral problems or hyperactivity in children unsuccessfully treated with psychotherapy or other medicines.

Insight:

• Dosing: The initial dose of haloperidol decanoate should not exceed 100 mg regardless of previous antipsychotic dose requirements– see package insert
• Dosage forms: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 2 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml.
• Adverse events: Neurologic symptoms, cardiovascular effects, leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis.
• Mechanism of action: Mechanism of action is unknown. The active mechanism is to block postsynaptic dopamine receptors in the mesolimbic system of the brain.
• Manufacturer:Upsher-Smith Laboratories

Source:

HALDOL brand of haloperidol injection (fda.gov)