Details

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Haloperidol 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.5mg, 5mg, 10mg tablets is an antipsychotic drug belonging to the Butyrophenone derivatives group.

It is the most widely used first generation antipsychotic drug or conventional antipsychotic drug.

It is a prescription only drug.

Mechanism of action:it acts by tightly binding to dopaminergic neuroreceptors leading to competitively blocking of dopamine D2 receptors resulting in antipsychotic effects.

It is available as Haldol & Serenase in International and as Serenace & Halidol in Indian markets.

 

Uses

• Haloperidol 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.5mg, 5mg, 10mg tablets is used in treating positive symptoms of schizophrenia especially in older patients.
• Haldol is used in the treatment of drug-induced nausea.
• Serenase is used in the treatment of the motor and phonic tics of Tourette disorder.
• Serenace is used to induce sedation of agitated patients and in children with aggressive behaviour due to mental disorders.
• Halidol is also used in geriatric patients for the treatment of symptoms of delirium, dementia, agitation, and paranoid syndrome.

 

Dosage

• Haloperidol 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.5mg, 5mg, 10mg tablets are taken orally with or without food at the same time everyday.
• Do not suddenly stop taking the Serenace consult doctor to avoid withdrawal symptoms
• Final doses of Halidol are determined by the doctor on the basis of pre existing medical condition, ongoing medications, age, weight and any allergy.
• Doses are also modified according to dose related side effects..

 

Side effects

• Headache
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Hypotension
• Weight gain
• Sedation
• Depression
• extrapyramidal symptoms
• Muscle wasting
• Parkinsonism
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Muscular rigidity
• hot flashes
• Ovarian enlargement
• Prolonged QT interval
• Urinary retention
• Decreased Gastrointestinal motility
• neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Dementia
• Hyperprolactinemia

 

Precautions

• Halidol is contraindicated in case of allergy to haloperidol severe CNS depression,seizure disorder and parkinsonism.
• Older patients having symptoms of dementia are at increased risk of death due to cardiac failure and infections like pneumonia.
• Haloperidol 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.5mg, 5mg, 10mg tablets interacts with a large number of other drugs like drugs used for bipolar disorder, blood pressure lowering drugs,anticoagulants, drugs used to treat parkinsonism, anti seizure drugs and antibiotics.
• Close monitoring is required for mental status change, hypotension, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
• Always tell the doctor about pre-existing medical conditions, ongoing medications, any history of allergic reaction, pregnancy, future plan of pregnancy and pregnancy.
• Serenace is not recommended for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers.

Driving and use of machines must be avoided while taking haloperidol.