Haldol
Haloperidol
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Haldol
Haldol is an antipsychotic drug. The exact mechanism of action of Haldol is not known; it may block certain chemicals in the brain.
Therapeutic Uses of Haldol
Haldol is used in the treatment of schizophrenia. It is also used in the treatment of symptoms of Tourette disorder. Haldol can also be used in other conditions that your doctor thinks necessary.
Direction of use of Haldol
Use Haldol as per your doctor’s instruction. See the label of Haldol for correct dosing instructions. Ideally Haldol should be given in a hospital or in doctor’s clinic as injection. But if you want to take Haldol at home, ask your health care provider to teach you how to take Haldol. Follow the instructions of health care provider properly without any change. If you do not understand the instructions properly or have any doubt about use of Haldol, ask your health care provider to explain you properly.
Haldol injection should not be used if it contains any particles or the solution is discolored or cloudy. It also should not be used if the vial of Haldol is cracked or broken or damaged. Do not reuse the needles, syringes, or other materials. Keep Haldol, syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets.
If You Miss a Dose of Haldol
If a dose of Haldol is missed, take it as soon as you can remember it. If it is time for the next dose because you missed it for long time, skip the missed dose of Haldol and take the next dose as your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 injections of Haldol at a time.
How to Store Haldol
Haldol should be stored at room temperature i.e. between 68 and 77 degrees F or 20 and 25 degrees C. Keep Haldol and other material out of reach of children. Haldol should be stored in a dry, cool, and dark place.
More Information About Haldol
If your symptoms do not improve or they become worse, check with your doctor; you may need to change over to other medicine or increase the dose of Haldol. Never share Haldol with anybody. It should be used by the patient only, for whom it is prescribed.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Haldol
Do not take Haldol if you have any of the following problems and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you have allergy to any of the ingredients used in manufacturing of Haldol.
- If you are suffering from Parkinson disease, Parkinsonism, any central nervous system disease or you are in coma.
- If you are on antihistaminic like astemizole or terfenadine), or you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB).
Some medical conditions may interact with Haldol. Inform your doctor if you have any medical condition that may interact with Haldol. The following medical conditions may interact with Haldol:
- If you are pregnant, want to be pregnant or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have allergy due to any food, medicine, or any other substance.
- If you are taking any medicines either prescription medicine or over the counter medicine or any herbal preparation.
- If you are a heart patient and have heart diseases like irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation), or if you have any family history of heart disease.
- If you have the blood disorder like porphyria; electrolyte problems like low blood magnesium or low blood potassium; or a history of dementia, Alzheimer disease, seizures, or thyroid problems
Some medicines may interact with Haldol. You should ask your doctor if which medicines interact with Haldol and inform your doctor if you are taking any of them which are listed below:
- Lithium because the risk of unexpected toxic effects of lithium, like weakness, severe tiredness, confusion, or unusual muscle movements, may be increased due to Haldol. Cisapride, dofetilide, H1 antagonists like astemizole, terfenadine; phenothiazines thioridazine; macrolides like erythromycin and telithromycin because the serious side effects (heart troubles) of these drugs may be increased by Haldol.
- Rifampin because the effectiveness of Haldol is decreased by this medicine. Carbamazepine also may reduce the effectiveness of Haldol.
- Carbamazepine may increase the side effects of Haldol.
- Anticoagulants like warfarin or sodium oxybate (GHB) because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Haldol
Possible Adverse Effects
- Haldol, like any other medicine has some common and some uncommon side effects. Commonest side effects generally are mild, but if they become bothersome or persist for longer time you should consult your doctor. Some of the commonest side effects Haldol are nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, blurring of vision, loss of appetite, insomnia, stomach trouble etc.
- You should seek immediate medical attention if you get any of the serious side effects like confusion; decreased urination; difficulty speaking or swallowing; ; excessive sweating; fast and/or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; severe and/or persistent dizziness, headache, or vomiting; mental or mood changes like abnormal thinking, agitation, anxiety, depression; prolonged and painful erection; change in vision, stiff muscles; yellowing of skin or eyes; uncontrolled muscle movements like movements of the arms, legs, tongue, jaw, cheeks; twitching and tremors; fainting, fever and severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) etc.