From the FDA Drug Label
Haloperidol is the first of the butyrophenone series of major tranquilizers. Haloperidol tablets are indicated for use in the management of manifestations of psychotic disorders.
Haldol (Haloperidol) is a major tranquilizer and an antipsychotic medication used in the management of psychotic disorders and other conditions such as Tourette’s Disorder and severe behavior problems in children 1.
- It is a butyrophenone derivative
- Used for the treatment of various conditions, including:
- Psychotic disorders
- Tourette’s Disorder
- Severe behavior problems in children
- Hyperactive children with conduct disorders 1
From the Research
What is Haldol (Haloperidol)?
Haldol, also known as Haloperidol, is a medication used to treat various psychiatric disorders and conditions. The key points about Haldol are:
- It is an antipsychotic drug that has been used for decades to manage agitation, psychosis, and other conditions 2, 3
- It is effective in treating acute and chronic paranoid psychosis, mania, and chronic treatment-resistant schizophrenia 3
- It is also used to relieve psychotic symptoms associated with childhood autism, schizophrenia, and mental retardation in children 4
- Haldol can be administered through various routes, including intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV), and oral 2
- It is widely used off-label to manage agitation and psychosis in patients with delirium in the hospital setting, although it is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for this use 5
- Haldol is one of the most commonly used drugs in palliative care and is recommended for inclusion into the palliative care emergency kit of home care teams 6
Uses of Haldol
The uses of Haldol include:
- Treating disruptive behavior in emergency patients 2
- Managing agitation and psychosis in patients with delirium in the hospital setting 5
- Relieving psychotic symptoms associated with childhood autism, schizophrenia, and mental retardation in children 4
- Treating acute and chronic paranoid psychosis, mania, and chronic treatment-resistant schizophrenia 3
- Use in palliative care to manage symptoms such as delirium, agitation, and hallucinations 6
Administration and Side Effects
The administration and side effects of Haldol are:
- It can be administered through IM, IV, or oral routes 2
- Common side effects include extrapyramidal symptoms, catatonia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome 5
- There is a risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes (TdP), although the evidence suggests that this risk is low 5
- Monitoring recommendations for clinicians prescribing IVH in hospital settings include electrocardiogram monitoring and telemetry for high-risk patients 5