From the Guidelines
The maximum dose of Haldol (haloperidol) in pediatrics is 40 mg daily for older adolescents and 30 mg daily for children.
Dosage Guidelines
- For adolescents, the dose can range from 0.5-1 mg to 5-10 mg, with a maximum of 40 mg daily 1.
- For children, the dose can range from 0.25-0.50 mg to 2.5 mg, with a maximum of 30 mg daily 1.
Administration
- The dose can be repeated every 20-30 min for intramuscular (IM) administration and every 60 min for oral (PO) administration 1.
- The dose can also be given as 0.1 mg/kg PO/IM, with a maximum dose as mentioned earlier 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ... Children The following recommendations apply to children between the ages of 3 and 12 years (weight range 15 kg to 40 kg). ... There is little evidence that behavior improvement is further enhanced in dosages beyond 6 mg per day. The maximum dose of Haldol (haloperidol) in pediatrics is not explicitly stated, but the label notes that there is little evidence that behavior improvement is further enhanced in dosages beyond 6 mg per day 2.
- The label does provide guidance on dosage ranges for children, but does not establish a maximum effective dosage.
- Severely disturbed psychotic children may require higher doses, but no specific maximum dose is given.
From the Research
Maximum Dose of Haldol (Haloperidol) in Pediatrics
The maximum dose of Haldol (haloperidol) in pediatrics is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the following information can be gathered:
- The study 3 mentions that dosage is initially low and increased gradually to minimize drowsiness and extrapyramidal symptoms, but does not provide a specific maximum dose.
- The study 4 reports a mean dose of haloperidol of 4 mg (0.07 mg/kg per dose) in pediatric patients with acute agitation and aggression, but does not specify a maximum dose.
- The study 5 mentions a median dose of 0.027 mg/kg/d (range 0.005-0.085 mg/kg/d) of intravenous haloperidol in critically ill children with delirium, but does not provide a maximum dose.
- The study 6 reports a daily dosage range of 15-285 micrograms/kg/day of haloperidol in pediatric patients with psychotic episodes and/or abnormal movements, but does not specify a maximum dose.
- The study 7 is focused on first-episode psychosis in adults and does not provide information on the maximum dose of haloperidol in pediatrics.
Key Findings
- The dose of haloperidol in pediatric patients varies widely depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient's response to the medication.
- Extrapyramidal symptoms and other side effects are more common at higher doses of haloperidol 4, 5, 6.
- Monitoring of plasma haloperidol levels may be useful in optimizing dosing and minimizing side effects 6.