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Haloperidol

Chinese name:

氟哌啶醇

Medically reviewed by

Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last Updated: 2022-04-05

What is Haloperidol for?

Haloperidol belongs to a class of medications called typical antipsychotics. It works by balancing the chemicals and decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain, and hence restores normal mood, mind, and behaviour. Haloperidol is therefore used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, and control motor tics and verbal tics in Tourette’s disorder.

How to use it?

Haloperidol can be taken by mouth. It may be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Haloperidol can also be injected through a needle into a muscle as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and frequency depending on your conditions.

The oral dosages for Haloperidol are listed below.

Mania, Psychoses
Adult
0.5-5 mg 2-3 times daily. Maintenance dose is 3-10 mg daily. Adjust dose according to response and tolerability.

Elderly
0.5-2 mg 2-3 times daily. Adjust dose according to response and tolerability. Maximum dosage is 20 mg daily in divided doses.

Schizophrenia
Adult
0.5-5 mg 2-3 times daily. Maintenance dose is 3-10 mg daily. Adjust dose according to response and tolerability.

Elderly
0.5-2 mg 2-3 times daily. Adjust dose according to response and tolerability. Maximum dosage is 20 mg daily in divided doses.

Child 13-17 years
Initially 0.5 mg daily, increase to 1-6 mg daily. Maximum dosage is 10 mg daily.

Child 3-12 years
Initially 0.5 mg daily, increase to 1-4 mg daily. Maximum dosage is 6 mg daily.

Severe tics in Tourette’s syndrome
Adult
0.5-5 mg 2-3 times daily. Maintenance dose is 4 mg once daily. Adjust dose according to response and tolerability. Maximum dosage is 30 mg daily.

Child 13-17 years
Initially 0.25 mg daily, increase to 2-6 mg daily. Maximum dosage is 6 mg daily.

Child 3-12 years
Initially 0.25 mg daily, increase to 0.5-3 mg daily. Maximum dosage is 3 mg daily.

What are the side effects of Haloperidol?

Common side effects of Haloperidol include depression, headache, nausea, excessive saliva, agitation, amenorrhoea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, erectile dysfunction, insomnia, parkinsonism, seizure, tremor and vomiting.

Who should not take Haloperidol?

People allergic to Haloperidol or any component of the formulation.
Patients who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Patients with central nervous system depression.

Pharmacist Tips:

This medication may cause sedation. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you respond to Haloperidol.
Haloperidol may impair your ability to regulate heat. Avoid strenuous exercise, exposure to excessive heat, or dehydration.
Report to your doctor immediately if you experience extrapyramidal symptoms, such as involuntary or uncontrollable movements, restlessness, muscle spasms and tremors.
Avoid alcohol use while taking this medication.

Common dosing schedule:
Haloperidol is taken two to three times daily. It may be taken with food to minimise gastrointestinal irritation.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Haloperidol may interact with:

Tricyclic antidepressants, e.g. Amitriptyline, Doxepin
QT prolonging drugs, e.g. Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Amisulpride, Pimozide
Antibiotics, e.g. Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Levofloxacin
Antiparkinsonian agents, e.g. Levodopa
Lithium

Haloperidol may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medications, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Haloperidol in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Haloperidol is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Haloperidol in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.

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