Generic name: haloperidol (injection) [ HAL-oh-PER-i-dol ]
Brand names: Haldol Decanoate, Haldol injection
Dosage forms: injectable solution (5 mg/mL), intramuscular solution (decanoate 100 mg/mL; decanoate 50 mg/mL)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antipsychotic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 16, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is haloperidol?

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia.

Haloperidol is also used to control motor and speech tics in people with Tourette's syndrome.

Haloperidol injection is sometimes used in people who are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

Haloperidol injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Haloperidol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

High doses or long-term use of haloperidol can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use haloperidol, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a diabetic or an older adult.

Haloperidol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);

• rapid changes in mood or behavior;

• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);

• cough with mucus, chest pain, feeling short of breath;

• lack of energy, decreased thirst;

• muscle spasms in your neck, tightness in your throat, trouble swallowing;

• low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing; or

• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of haloperidol may include:

• drowsiness;

• neck stiffness;

• tremors; or

• involuntary muscle movements.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

ondansetron, hydroxyzine, lorazepam, diazepam, olanzapine, dexamethasone, risperidone

Warnings

Haloperidol is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive haloperidol if you are allergic to haloperidol, or if you have:

• Parkinson's disease;

• dementia with Lewy bodies;

• a peanut allergy (this medicine contains sesame oil); or

• certain conditions that affect your central nervous system (such as severe drowsiness, or slowed thinking caused by taking other medicines or drinking alcohol).

Haloperidol may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, angina (chest pain);

• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

• low blood pressure;

• a seizure;

• low white blood cell (WBC) counts;

• a thyroid disorder; or

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low blood levels of potassium or magnesium).

Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop the medicine without your doctor's advice.

You should not breastfeed while using haloperidol.

How is haloperidol injection given?

You may be given oral haloperidol to take by mouth for a short time before you are treated with haloperidol injection.

Haloperidol is injected into a muscle by a healthcare provider, usually once every 3 to 4 weeks as needed.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Do not stop using haloperidol suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your haloperidol injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if you have overdose symptoms (extreme drowsiness, severe tremors or muscle stiffness, weak or shallow breathing, fainting). An overdose of haloperidol can be fatal.

What should I avoid while receiving haloperidol?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how haloperidol will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. You may be more prone to heat stroke while you are using haloperidol.

What other drugs will affect haloperidol?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Haloperidol can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Using haloperidol with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• lithium;

• rifampin;

• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;

• seizure medicine; or

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect haloperidol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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