Haldol

Drug Name

Haldol is an antipsychotic agent that is used to treat schizophrenia and treat the symptoms associated with tourette’s syndrome.

How it is taken

Use Haldol as recommended by your doctor. It is usually an injection that is administered at your doctor’s office, hospital or clinic. If you are planning to use it at home, then ensure that you learn the proper method from a health care provider.

Do not use if the drug appears cloudy or has particles in it or if the syringe or needle is cracked or broken.

Do not reuse the syringe or the needle and dispose it after use (follow local rules for disposal).

Drug Class & Mechanism

Haldol is an antipsychotic agent that works by limiting the release of certain chemicals in the brain.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Haldol then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, if you have the blood disease porphyria, electrolyte problems (eg, low blood magnesium, low blood potassium), or a history of dementia, Alzheimer disease, seizures, or thyroid problems, if you have heart problems or irregular heartbeat (eg, QT prolongation), or if a member of your family has a history of these conditions.

You must not take Haldol if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are in a coma, have Parkinson disease, or have severe central nervous system depression and you are taking dofetilide, an H1 antagonist (e.g., astemizole, terfenadine), or sodium oxybate (GHB).

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

Cisapride, dofetilide, H1 antagonists (eg, astemizole, terfenadine), macrolides or ketolides (eg, erythromycin, telithromycin), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), or pimozide because it may increase the risk of serious heart-related side effects

Lithium because it may increase the risk of unexpected toxic effects, including weakness, severe tiredness, confusion, or unusual muscle movements.

Rifampin because it may decrease Haldol 's effectiveness. Carbamazepine because side effects of Haldol may be increased or the effectiveness of Haldol may be decreased

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or sodium oxybate (GHB) because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Haldol

It is unknown whether Haldol is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach upset, trouble sleeping. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), confusion, decreased urination, difficulty speaking or swallowing, drooling, excessive or unusual sweating, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, mental or mood changes (e.g., abnormal thinking, agitation, anxiety, depression), prolonged, painful erection, rigid or stiff muscles, seizures, severe or persistent dizziness, headache, or vomiting, shuffling walk, uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., of the arms, legs, tongue, jaw, cheeks, twitching, tremors), vision problems or changes, yellowing of skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.