About haloperidol
Typical antipsychotic (butyrophenone)
Used for
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Acute agitation or severe behavioral symptoms
- Tics and Tourette syndrome
- Severe nausea and vomiting in selected cases
Usual adult dose
Psychosis: commonly 0.5–5 mg two or three times daily, adjusted gradually; doses vary by condition and patient.
Usual dose in children
For selected conditions, specialist-directed dosing is based on age and weight; not routinely used for children.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth
- Restlessness or movement problems, including stiffness and tremor
- Raised prolactin, sometimes causing sexual or menstrual problems
- Low blood pressure or blurred vision
Important warnings
- Can cause serious abnormal heart rhythms; risk rises with higher doses and some medicines.
- Seek urgent care for fever with severe stiffness, confusion, or sweating.
- Movement disorders may become long-lasting, especially with prolonged treatment.
- Use caution in older adults with dementia-related psychosis; increased risk of death.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed after clinical assessment; late-pregnancy exposure may cause newborn movement or withdrawal symptoms.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk. Potential effects on the infant mean breastfeeding requires clinical assessment.
Interactions
- Medicines that prolong the QT interval can increase heart-rhythm risk.
- Some antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV medicines raise haloperidol levels.
- Alcohol and sedatives can worsen drowsiness and impaired coordination.
- Levodopa and other dopamine medicines may have reduced effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.