Haldol
Name of the Drug
Haldol (Haloperidol)
Uses of the Drug
Haldol is basically used to treat schizophrenia. It is even used to reduce symptoms related to Tourette disorder. It can also be used to treat some other medical conditions as diagnosed by your doctor.
How to Take
Haldol should be taken as per the doctor’s recommendations. The label of the medicine should be checked for the right instruction on dosing. Haldol is basically applied as injection at the doctor’s clinic, hospital or office. If you use Haldol in your home, a doctor would show you the method of using it. Make sure that you understand the method of using Haldol. You should follow the process of using the drug in the dosage. For any query, contact the medical professional. Haldol should not be used if it has particles or has become discolored or cloudy. If you see that the vial is damaged or cracked, do not use the medicine. Keep the product and needles as well as syringes away from pets and children. The needles as well as syringes should not be reused. Make sure to know how you will dispose the materials after using. All the known local rules should be followed for disposing the materials.
Drug Mechanism and Class
Haldol is the antipsychotic agent. Its working is not yet known. However, it is supposed to work by blocking some chemicals present in brain.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Haldol and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Haldol should be stored at the room temperature somewhere between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Keep it away from light, heat and moisture. Don’t store it in bathroom. The medicine should be kept away from pets and children.
Warnings Precautions
Haldol should NOT be taken if:
- you are prone to allergies to a single ingredient present in Haldol
- you are having Parkinson disease, are in the state of coma, or having serious central nervous system or CNS depression;
- you take dofetilide, sodium oxybate (GHB) or H1 antagonist (e.g., astemizole, terfenadine).
You should get in touch with the doctor very soon if you notice any of the above-mentioned problems.
Some of the medical conditions might have interaction with Haldol. Inform your pharmacist or doctor in case you are having any other diseases and particularly if you are having any one of the below mentioned list:
- if you have conceived, or planning to get pregnant, or breast-feeding
- if you take any nonprescription or prescription medicine, dietary supplement, or herbal preparation
- if you are allergic to foods, medicines, or some other substances
- if you are having electrolyte problems (e.g., low blood potassium, low blood magnesium), blood disease porphyria, or a record of Alzheimer disease, dementia, thyroid problems or seizures
- if you are having a record of any irregular heartbeat or heart problems (eg, QT prolongation), or if any family member has the record of any of these conditions
Some of the MEDICINES MIGHT HAVE INTERACTION with Haldol. Inform your pharmacist or doctor in case you notice any one of the below mentioned medicines:
- dofetilide, Cisapride, ketolides or macrolides (eg, telithromycin, erythromycin), H1 antagonists (eg, terfenadine, astemizole), pimozide or phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), because risk of severe heart-problems might be increased
- Lithium as risk of some unpredicted toxic effects, like severe tiredness, weakness, unusual muscle movements or confusion, might be increased
- Rifampin as it might decrease the effectiveness of Haldol. Carbamazepine because Haldol’s side effects might be increased or Haldol’s effectiveness might be decreased
- sodium oxybate (GHB) or Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because Haldol may increase their side effects and their actions
Common Side Effects
All medicines can have side effects. However, there are some people who have either less or no side effects. Check whether you have any of the side effects as mentioned below and in that case consult your doctor as soon as possible:
* constipation; blurred vision; drowsiness; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; loss of appetite; headache; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; nausea.
You should consult your doctor immediately in case you have the serious side effects as mentioned below:
* Serious allergic reactions (hives; rash; itching; tightness in chest; difficulty in breathing; swelling of face, lips, mouth, or tongue); decreased urination; confusion; difficulty swallowing or speaking; unusual or excessive sweating; drooling; fainting; irregular or fast heartbeat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes (e.g., agitation, abnormal thinking, anxiety, depression), fever, painful erection; stiff or rigid muscles; persistent or severe dizziness, seizures; vomiting, or headache; uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., of legs, tongue, arms, cheeks; twitching; jaw, tremors); shuffling walk; yellowing of the eyes or skin; vision problems.
More Information
You should consult your pharmacist in case of any query. This medicine should be exclusively used by only the patient. Do not share Haldol with some other people. In case the symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.