HALOPERIDOL (Haldol®)

Question 1

Generic/Trade Name

HALOPERIDOL

Answer 1

Haldol®

Question 2

Generic/Trade Name

Haldol®

Answer 2

HALOPERIDOL

Question 3

HALOPERIDOL (Haldol®)

Drug Classification:

Answer 3

Butyrophenone Antipsychotic

Neuroleptic

Question 4

HALOPERIDOL (Haldol®)

Mechanism of Action:

Answer 4

Mesolimbic D1/D2 antagonist ⇒

• depresses release of hypothalamic and hyophyseal hormones;
• depresses the reticular activating system, thus affecting basal metabolism, body temp, wakefulness, vasomotor tone, and emesis

Question 5

HALOPERIDOL (Haldol®)

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 5

• Onset of Action = 30-45 minutes
• Peak Effects = 10-20 minutes
• Duration of Effect = Varies
• Half-Life = 3-35 hours

Question 6

HALOPERIDOL (Haldol®)

Indications & Contraindications

Answer 6

Indications/Field Use:
• Acute psychotic episode

Contraindications:
• Presence of other drugs, especially sedatives or other antipsychotics
• Dysphoria (not feeling well) caused by Talwin (opioid used for severe pain)

Question 7

HALOPERIDOL (Haldol®)

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions:

Answer 7

EPS (Extrapyramidal Symptoms), insomnia, restlessness, seizures

drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation,
respiratory depression

tachycardia, hypotension, prolonged QT syndrome,
Torsades

Question 8

HALOPERIDOL (Haldol®)

Adult & Pedi Dose:

Answer 8

(ADULT): 2-5mg IM q4-8h PRN

(PEDI): 1-3mg IM q4-8h PRN, max 0.15mg/kg/day

Question 9

HALOPERIDOL (Haldol®)

Precautions:

Answer 9

May impair physical and mental abilities

may cause orthostatic hypotension

may cause EPS (Extrapyramidal Symptoms) or dystonic reactions

Question 10

HALOPERIDOL (Haldol®)

Drug-Drug Interactions:

Answer 10

Caution in patients taking lithium, may cause encephalopathic syndrome (irreversible brain damage)

May increase chance of hypotension when taken with antihypertensives

Additive effects with depressants – increased CNS depression