Haloperidol Pharmacology

Haloperidol

About Haloperidol
First-Generation Antipsychotic, a butyrophenone derivative, Typical antipsychotic.
Mechanism of Action of Haloperidol
Antipsychotic actions: Haloperidol produces central antidopaminergic action. It is a potent Dopaminergic receptor blocker in the mesocortex and limbic system of brain. Haloperidol also blocks the dopaminergic action in the nigrostriatal path way. It produces minor antihistaminic and anticholinergic actions.
In Tourette syndrome the mechanism of action is not known. It has many central and peripheral effects. It produces antiemetic effects and alpha and ganglion blockade and counteracts histamine and serotonin mediated activity.
Anaesthetic adjuncts: It is used as anaesthetic adjunct since it allays anxiety, smoothen induction and produce antiemetic action.

Pharmacokinets of Haloperidol
Absorption: It is well absorbed after oral or parenteral administration. Distribution: Drug is distributed widely in the body in protein bound form. Metabolism: Drug is extensively metabolised in the liver. Excretion: It is excreted mainly in urine and also in faeces.
Onset of Action for Haloperidol
Oral: 2-3 hours; IM: 20 - 30 minutes
Duration of Action for Haloperidol
6 - 24 hours
Half Life of Haloperidol
Oral: 12 - 38 hour; IM: 10 - 19 hours
Side Effects of Haloperidol
1.Tardive dyskinesia
2.Extrapyramidal reactions
3.Leucopenia
4.Restlessness
5.Seizure
6.Weight gain
7.Muscle stiffness
8.Nausea
9.Blurred vision
10.Lethargy
11.Gynecomastia
12.Dystonia
13.Tremor
Contra-indications of Haloperidol
1.Hypersensitivity to Haloperidol
2.Parkinson`s disease
3.Depression
4.Comatose
Special Precautions while taking Haloperidol
1.Hepatic disease
2.Renal impairment
3.Cardio vascular diseases
4.Epilepsy
5.Narrow angle glaucoma
6.Parkinsonism
7.Urinary retention
8.Thyrotoxicosis
9.Slowly withdraw the drug with caution
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Use with caution
CHILDREN below 3 years: contraindicated
Indications for Haloperidol
1.Psychoses
2.Tourette`s syndrome
3.Hiccups
4.Severe tics
Interactions for Haloperidol
Alcohol: CNS depression, extra-pyramidal reactions.
Almunium Salts: Decrease efficacy. Antacids should be given 1 hour before or 2 hours after haloperidol.
Anticholinergics: Decrease efficacy and increase the anticholinergic side effects of haloperidol.
Barbiturates: Decreases efficacy.
Barbiturate anaesthetics: Increase frequency and severity of neuromuscular excitation and hypotension.
Bromocriptine: Efficacy decreased by haloperidol.
Charcoal: Prevents absorption of haloperidol.
Epinephrine, Norepinephrine: Pressor effect decreased, peripheral vasoconstrictive effect antagonised.
Lithium: Disorientation, unconsciousness and extra-pyramidal symptoms.
Meperidine: Excessive sedation and hypotension.
TCAs: Serum concentration increased by haloperidol.
Valproic acid: Efficacy potentiated.
Propranolol: Increased plasma levels of both drugs.
MAOIs: Additive orthostatic hypotensive effect.
Lab. Tests: Pregnancy tests: False positive results.
Plasma bound iodine (PBI): Increase in PBI occurs.
Typical Dosage for Haloperidol
Adults: Dose is based on clinical response, patient tolerance and adverse reactions
Initial dose: 0.5 - 5 mg 2 or 3 times a day then dose can be gradually decreased or increased to 100 mg / day based on patient`s response.
Maintenance dose: 5 - 10 mg daily.
Anxiety: 1 mg / day in 2 divided doses
Hiccups: 4.5 mg / day in 3 divided doses
Tourette`s syndrome and severe tics: Initial dose of 0.5 to 1.5 mg three times daily and dose can be increased up to about 10 mg daily may be needed in Tourette`s syndrome.
In palliative care, haloperidol has been given in a dose of 1 to 3 mg every 8 hours by mouth for the treatment of restlessness and confusion.
Children: Initial dose: 25 - 50 mg / kg body weight / day in 2 divided doses
Maximum dose: 10 mg / day
Schedule of Haloperidol
H
Storage Requirements for Haloperidol
Store at 15 - 30 degree C.Protect from heat and light. Keep out of the reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Haloperidol
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed .If it is the time for next dose then take that dose and skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Haloperidol
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Drug can be removed from the body by inducing vomiting or by gastric lavage. Absorption of the drug can be reduced by administration of charcoal. Treat hypotension with IV fluids, seizure with parenteral Diazepam, arrhythmia with Phenytoin and extra pyramidal reactions with Benztropine

Home Delivery for Haloperidol in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including haloperidol.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for haloperidol and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for haloperidol may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take haloperidol only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for haloperidol before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for haloperidol with the pharmacy.

Haloperidol is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for haloperidol might be better known than haloperidol itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have haloperidol in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for haloperidol.