About haloperidol
First-generation antipsychotic
Used for
- Treatment of severe agitation or acute psychosis
- Control of severe nausea and vomiting in selected cases
Usual adult dose
For agitation, often 2–5 mg by injection; repeat cautiously as needed under medical supervision.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-directed only; dosing depends on age, weight, and indication.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness, or low blood pressure
- Muscle stiffness, tremor, or restlessness
- Movement disorders, including potentially persistent involuntary movements
- Injection-site pain
Important warnings
- May cause serious abnormal heart rhythms, especially with risk factors or interacting medicines.
- Seek urgent care for fever, severe stiffness, confusion, or sweating.
- Can cause severe movement reactions and impaired alertness.
- Use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis is associated with increased death risk.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; exposure near delivery may cause newborn movement or withdrawal symptoms.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk and may affect the infant; use requires clinical assessment.
Interactions
- Medicines that prolong QT interval can increase dangerous heart-rhythm risk.
- Alcohol, opioids, and sedatives increase drowsiness and impaired coordination.
- Levodopa and dopamine agonists may have reduced effects.
- Some antibiotics, antifungals, and other medicines alter haloperidol levels.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.