What is Haloperidol - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Last updated date: February 11, 2016.

A phenylbutylpiperadine derivative with antipsychotic, neuroleptic, and antiemetic activities.
Haloperidol competitively blocks postsynaptic dopamine (D2) receptors in the mesolimbic system of the brain, thereby eliminating dopamine neurotransmission and leading to antidelusionary and antihallucinagenic effects. Antagonistic activity mediated through D2 dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptive trigger zone (CTZ) accounts for its antiemetic activity.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. September 15, 2009.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: November 22, 2018.

Adult
PO
Psychoses: 0.5-5 mg 2-3 times/day, up to 100 mg/day in severe cases. Maintenance: 3-10 mg/day.
Severe tics; Tourette's syndrome: Initial: 0.5-1.5 mg 3 times/day, up to 10 mg/day.
Adjunct in severe anxiety or behavioral disturbances: 0.5 mg twice daily.
Restlessness and confusion: 1-3 mg 8 hrly.
Intractable hiccup: 1.5 mg 3 times/day.

IM
Acute psychosis: 2-10 mg hrly or 4-8 hrly until symptoms are controlled. Max: 18 mg/day.
Nausea and vomiting: 0.5-2 mg/day.

SC
Restlessness and confusion: 5-15 mg over 24 hr.

Adverse drug reactions: tardive dyskinesia, extrapyramidal reactions, anxiety, drowsiness, depression, anorexia, transient tachycardia, postural hypotension, leukopenia, anticholinergic side effects.

Adapted from CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.

Haloperidol

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