Haloperidol

Therapeutic Class

Antipsychotics

Dosage Form, Composition & NAFDAC Registration Number (NRN)

Tablet (NRN: A4-4712): Haloperidol BP 10 mg.

Pack size: 1000’s in white HDPE containers.

Pharmacology

Haloperidol blocks the effects of dopamine and increases its turnover rate; however the mechanism, the precise mechanism of action is unknown.

Indications

Haloperidol Tablet is indicated for use in the management of manifestations of psychotic disorders, including hallucinations,
delusions and confusion.

Haloperidol is also used to treat Tourette’s disorder and severe tics, in intractable hiccups as well as behavioural and hyperactive conditions in children.

Contra-indications

Haloperidol is contraindicated in severe toxic central nervous system depression or comatose states from any cause and in individuals who are hypersensitive to this drug or have Parkinson’s disease.

Precautions/Warnings

Haloperidol should be administered cautiously to patients:

-With severe cardiovascular disorders, because of the possibility of transient hypotension and/or precipitation of angina pain. Should hypotension occur and a vasopressor be required, epinephrine should not be used since Haloperidol may block its vasopresor activity and paradoxical further lowering of the blood pressure may occur. Instead, metaraminol, phenylephrine or epinephrine should be used.

-Receiving anticonvulsant medications, with a history of seizures, or with EEG abnormalities, because Haloperidol may lower the convulsive threshold. If indicated, adequate anticonvulsant therapy should be concomitantly maintained.

-With known allergies, or with a history of allergic reactions to drugs.

-Receiving anticoagulants, since an isolated instance of interference occurred with the effects of one anticoagulant (phenindione).

If concomitant antiparkinson medication is required, it may have to be continued after Haloperidol is discontinued because of the difference in excretion rates. If both are discontinued simultaneously, extrapyramidal symptoms may occur.

As with other antipsychotic agents, it should be noted that Haloperidol may be capable of potentiating CNS depressants such as anesthetics, opiates, and alcohol.

Do not exceed the stated dose.

Do not use medicine after the “Expiry Date “on the pack.

Interactions

Drug-drug interactions exist to varying degrees, therefore consult your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking other medications.

Adverse Effects

Insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, euphoria, agitation, drowsiness, depression, confusion, grand mal seizures, exacerbation of psychotic symptoms including hallucinations, and catatonic-like behavioural states which may be responsive to drug withdrawal and/treatment with anticholinergic drugs.

As with all antipsychotic agents haloperidol has been associated with persistent dyskinesis. Tardive dystonia, not associated with the above syndrome, has also been reported.

Dosage & Administration

As with all antipsychotic drugs, dosage should be individualized according to the needs and response of each patient.

Adults:

Moderate symptomatology: 0.5-2.0 mg two or three times daily.

Severe symptomatology: 3.0-5.0 mg two or three times daily.

Children:

The total dose may be divided, to be given two or three times a day.

Psychotic disorders: 0.05 mg/kg/day to 0.15 mg/kg/day.

Non-Psychotic behaviour disorders and Tourette’s disorder: 0.05 mg/kg/day to 0.075 mg/kg/day.

Storage/Handling Recommendations

Keep your medicine in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children.