Haloperidol
Haldol
Class:
Tranquilizer, Antipsychotic
Tranquilizer, Antipsychotic
Mechanism of Action:
Inhibits CNS catecholamine receptors: strong antidopaminergic and weak anticholinergic. Acts on the CNS to depress subcortical areas, midbrain, and ascending reticular activating system in the brain.
Inhibits CNS catecholamine receptors: strong antidopaminergic and weak anticholinergic. Acts on the CNS to depress subcortical areas, midbrain, and ascending reticular activating system in the brain.
Indications:
Acute psychotic episodes.
Acute psychotic episodes.
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to the drug.
- Depressed mental status and agitation secondary to shock and hypoxia.
- Parkinson's disease.
Adverse reactions:
- Extrapyramidal reactions.
- Seizures.
- Sedation.
- Confusion.
- Insomnia.
- Restlessness.
- Dry mouth.
- Hypotension.
- Tachycardia.
- Dystonia.
- Respiratory depression.
- QT prolongation.
- Cardiac arrest.
Drug Interactions:
- Enhances CNS depression and hypotension in combination with alcohol.
- Other CNS depressants may potentiate effects.
Adult Dosage and Administration
5mg IM.
5mg IM.
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Pediatric Dosage and Administration:Not recommended.
Duration of Action:
- Onset: 10 minutes.
- Peak effect: 30-45 minutes.
- Duration: Variable. Generally 12-24 hours.
Special Considerations:
- Pregnancy category: Category C.
Use during pregnancy only if maternal benefit outweighs fetal risk, especially during 3rd trimester. - Treat hypotension secondary to haloperidol with fluids and Norepinephrine, NOT Epinephrine.