^

Health

Haloperidol

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Haloperidol is a special purpose drug. It helps to fight psychological problems. Including it helps to get rid of chronic alcoholism. This medication is prescribed in special cases. It is not recommended to take it on your own, because it has its own special indications.

trusted-source[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Indications Haloperidol

Indications for the use of Haloperidol are very specific. The fact is that this drug is used for psychomotor agitation of various genesis. This can be a manic state, psychopathy, chronic alcoholism and schizophrenia. It is also used in cases where a person has hallucinations, begins to rave, etc. With an increase in psychosis, paranoid state and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, it is necessary to take the drug.

Psychosomatic disorders may arise against the background of mental disorders. This condition is often found in childhood and old age. The remedy is used for stuttering, prolonged hiccups, which are accompanied by vomiting.

To improve the condition in schizophrenia, this medication must be taken as a maintenance therapy. You should never use the drug on your own. It can lead to the development of serious consequences. Haloperidol is taken in special cases with the permission of the attending physician.

trusted-source[ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Release form

The drug is available in tablet form. They are coated with a special shell, which makes swallowing easier. One package contains 50 tablets of 0.0015 mg and 0.005 mg. In this case, everything depends on the disease and the effect that needs to be achieved. Based on these data, a certain packaging is selected. A tablet with a high content of active substances allows you to achieve positive dynamics much faster.

But it is not recommended to choose a medicine of a certain dosage on your own. You need to know the exact diagnosis and how best to deal with the problem. After all, taking the medicine incorrectly can lead to the situation getting worse.

The drug is not produced in any other form. It is therefore much more convenient to take it, especially for people with mental disorders. In most cases, they do not want to take what they are given. It is much easier to give a pill than to force someone to drink a suspension, let alone give an injection. That is why Haloperidol is packaged in this form.

trusted-source[ 9 ], [ 10 ], [ 11 ]

Pharmacodynamics

The drug is capable of blocking postsynaptic dopaminergic receptors, which is its pharmacodynamics. These receptors are located in the mesolimbic system, hypothalamus and in the trigger zone of the vomiting reflex. They are capable of inhibiting central alpha-adrenergic receptors.

Due to its active substances, the drug inhibits the release of mediators. At the same time, the permeability of presynaptic membranes is significantly reduced. A violation of the reverse neuronal capture and deposition is possible.

Persistent personality changes, hallucinations, manias and emerging delirium are eliminated. Gradually, a person begins to show interest in everything that surrounds him and gradually return to life. The drug has a proper effect on vegetative functions. It is able to reduce the tone of the genitals, secretion of the gastrointestinal tract and eliminate vascular spasms. All this occurs in diseases that are accompanied by increased arousal and fear of death.

If the drug is taken for a long time, it can lead to a change in the endocrine status. In the anterior pituitary gland, prolactin production may increase and gonadotropic hormones may decrease. Haloperidol performs all these functions.

trusted-source[ 12 ], [ 13 ], [ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ], [ 17 ]

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics of Haloperidol is positive. Almost 60% of the drug is absorbed during administration. Binding with plasma proteins occurs at 92%. The maximum concentration of the drug is observed 3-6 hours after administration. If the administration was intramuscular, then this occurs after 10-20 minutes. When using the prolonged form of the drug, this effect is achieved only on the 3-9th day.

The drug is intensively distributed in tissues. It passes through histohematic barriers, including the BBB, very well. The metabolism process occurs in the liver. The drug undergoes the first-pass effect through the liver.

No special relationship between plasma concentration and effects has been established. The drug is excreted through the kidneys along with bile. It does not cause any harm to the body, and excess is not deposited anywhere. However, it is necessary to take the drug correctly. After all, Haloperidol is a special remedy intended to solve serious problems.

trusted-source[ 18 ], [ 19 ], [ 20 ], [ 21 ]

Dosing and administration

The method of administration and doses of Haloperidol are selected individually. Thus, the drug should be taken orally half an hour before meals. To reduce the irritating effect on the gastric mucosa, it is recommended to take the drug with milk.

The daily dose at the initial stage is 0.5-5 mg. It is recommended to divide it into 2-3 doses. After which the dose is gradually increased by 0.5-2 mg. This process is carried out until the desired therapeutic effect is achieved.

The maximum daily dose should not exceed 100 mg. On average, a person needs 10-15 mg of the drug per day, if we are talking about the chronic form of schizophrenia, then 20-40 mg. In resistant cases, it reaches 50-60 mg per day. The duration of treatment is usually 2-3 months. If necessary, this period is increased or decreased.

Children aged 3-12 years should take 0.024-05 mg per kilogram per day. The dose is usually increased on the 5th-7th day to 0.15 mg per kilogram. Elderly patients should take a reduced dosage, which can be increased on the 2nd-3rd day after the start of use.

As an antiemetic, you need to take 1.5 mg per day. To determine a more accurate dosage, you need to consult a doctor, he will prescribe how much Haloperidol to take.

trusted-source[ 27 ], [ 28 ], [ 29 ], [ 30 ], [ 31 ]

Use Haloperidol during pregnancy

The use of Haloperidol during pregnancy is contraindicated. For that matter, people with serious mental disorders are not recommended to have a child. After all, the syndrome can pass on to the baby.

The first trimester of pregnancy is especially dangerous. It is not recommended to take any medications during this period. Including those aimed at stabilizing the mental state. In the early months of pregnancy, the baby's nervous system begins to form, and taking medication can negatively affect this process.

The period of breastfeeding excludes the use of this medicine. Because its active substances can penetrate into the baby's body through milk. This phenomenon should not be allowed under any circumstances.

During pregnancy, any actions with medications should be agreed with the attending physician. Self-administration can lead to the development of serious disorders, which is unacceptable. Therefore, Haloperidol should be taken with caution.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of Haloperidol include the presence of problems with hypersensitivity to some components of the drug. Of particular danger are people suffering from severe toxic depression of the central nervous system. A number of contraindications also include coma.

Diseases of the central nervous system, which are accompanied by pyramidal and extrapyramidal symptoms. Including the presence of Parkinson's disease. During the administration of the drug, the seizure threshold in epileptics may decrease. The development of severe depressive disorders is possible. Symptoms may significantly increase.

Cardiovascular diseases are also strictly prohibited. Haloperidol should not be taken in this case. Especially if this phenomenon is accompanied by decompensation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and age up to 3 years.

When taking any medication, you need to be especially careful. Especially if a person has more than one problem or disease. After all, Haloperidol, if used incorrectly, can make the situation worse.

Side effects Haloperidol

Side effects of Haloperidol can manifest themselves from many systems and organs. First of all, the nervous system suffers. It manifests itself in the form of the development of akathisia, a dystonic extrapyramidal disorder, which is a spasm of the muscles of the face, neck and back.

Weakness in the arms and legs may appear. Difficulty speaking and swallowing. A mask-like face develops, the gait becomes shuffling, tremors of the hands and fingers appear. Against this background, anxiety, strong excitement, euphoria and even depression are not excluded.

The cardiovascular system can react negatively to taking the drug. In this case, tachycardia, arrhythmia, and ECG changes manifest themselves. There have been reports of sudden death, heart rhythm disturbances, anemia, leukopenia, and leukocytosis.

The respiratory system may cause bronchospasm and laryngospasm. From the gastrointestinal tract, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, liver dysfunction and jaundice may occur.

Taking the drug also affects the genitourinary system. Breast engorgement, gynecomastia, menstrual irregularities, impotence, urinary retention, and increased libido occur.

Skin manifestations are not excluded. This may include alopecia, maculopapular and acne-like skin changes. In some cases, Haloperidol may cause hyperglycemia, loss of consciousness, muscle rigidity and other phenomena.

trusted-source[ 22 ], [ 23 ], [ 24 ], [ 25 ], [ 26 ]

Overdose

Overdose of Haloperidol can manifest itself in certain symptoms. Thus, all this manifests itself in the form of a pronounced extrapyramidal disorder. Arterial hypotension, drowsiness and lethargy may occur. In some cases, a comatose state, shock and respiratory depression manifest themselves.

All this requires immediate measures to eliminate the resulting condition. As such, there is no specific antidote. Therefore, it is necessary to resort to gastric lavage. Then, activated carbon is prescribed. But only if the overdose was caused by ingestion.

If respiratory depression or a significant decrease in blood pressure occurs, plasma-substituting fluids should be administered. To reduce the severity of extrapyramidal disorders, cholicoblockers and antiparkinsonian drugs are taken. All this requires a doctor's consultation. You can only do gastric lavage on your own. Haloperidol is a specific drug that requires a certain amount of elimination from the body.

trusted-source[ 32 ], [ 33 ], [ 34 ], [ 35 ], [ 36 ], [ 37 ], [ 38 ]

Interactions with other drugs

Interactions with other drugs are possible, but not in all cases. Thus, the drug can enhance the effect of antihypertensive drugs. A similar situation applies to antidepressants, alcohol and analgesics.

The drug is able to inhibit the metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants. Their level in plasma increases significantly. In addition, toxicity increases. If the drug is taken together with carbamazepine, the level of haloperidol in the blood drops significantly. In this case, it would be advisable to increase the dose.

In combination with lithium, the drug can cause a syndrome similar to encephalopathy. Therefore, the drug should be taken with special caution. Naturally, it is inappropriate to decide on your own about taking medications. After all, the wrong combination of some drugs can lead to the formation of serious problems. In many cases, there is a deterioration of the existing condition. Therefore, Haloperidol should be taken with caution along with other drugs.

trusted-source[ 39 ], [ 40 ], [ 41 ]

Storage conditions

What are the storage conditions for Haloperidol? First of all, you need to protect yourself and others. That is why the drug is stored out of the reach of children. They should never take this drug. This can worsen the situation or lead to the development of serious problems.

A certain light regime should be observed. Direct sunlight should not reach the medicine. Such exposure may cause the drug to deteriorate. The temperature regime is also of particular importance. It must be observed. It is desirable that the temperature does not exceed 25 degrees. The product should not be frozen under any circumstances.

Humidity should also not reach the drug. Naturally, you need to monitor the appearance of the tablets. If stored incorrectly, they can lose their appearance and deteriorate. Only proper observance of all conditions will allow you to use the drug for a long time. Therefore, Haloperidol must be stored in a special way.

trusted-source[ 42 ], [ 43 ], [ 44 ]

Shelf life

The shelf life is 3 years, but this is subject to its correct use. The drug must be stored in a special way so that it does not lose its beneficial properties. It is important to maintain the correct temperature regime. It should not exceed 25 degrees.

Dampness should be completely excluded, it creates unfavorable conditions for storing the preparation. A similar requirement applies to light. Direct sunlight should not disturb the product.

The blister containing the tablets should be protected from mechanical impact. This will allow you to preserve the positive properties of the drug and take it for a long time.

It is necessary to protect children from the drug. After all, they can damage the packaging or take the drug. In any case, this will lead to the development of negative consequences. Compliance with special rules will allow you to use the drug for a long time. After opening, Haloperidol can be used for 3 years.


trusted-source[ 45 ], [ 46 ], [ 47 ]

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Haloperidol" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.