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Haloperidol
What is it? Overview Usage Side Effects and Warnings
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Haloperidol Overview

Written by FoundHealth.

(ha loe PER i dole)

U.S. Brand Names

Haldol®; Haldol® Decanoate

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Haloperidol LA®; Apo-Haloperidol®; Haloperidol Injection, USP; Haloperidol Long Acting; Haloperidol-LA; Haloperidol-LA Omega; Novo-Peridol; Peridol; PMS-Haloperidol LA

Mexican Brand Names

Haldol; Haloperil

Pharmacologic Category

Antipsychotic Agent, Typical

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

• There is an increased chance of death in elderly people who take this medicine for dementia.

• This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to haloperidol or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Bone marrow disease, liver disease, Parkinson's disease, or severe heart disease.

• If you are breast-feeding.

How does it work?

• Haloperidol helps clear thinking.

• It works on improving social interactions, mood, expression of mood, as well as, delusions, paranoia, and appearance.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• A liquid (concentrate) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Mix with 1/2 cup of water before drinking.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

Injection (I.V.):

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 13:00:49.0

Modified: 2010-03-19 14:33:09.0

Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.

 
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