Patient Handout - Haloperidol/Haldol

IMPORTANT NOTE: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING THIS DRUG.

HALOPERIDOL - ORAL  (hal-oh-PAIR-ih-doll)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Haldol

USES: Haloperidol is used to treat symptoms of certain types of mental conditions; to control movements or effects of Tourette's syndrome; or to control severe behavioral problems in children.

OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting due to cancer treatment.

HOW TO USE: Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. The liquid concentrate form must be measured carefully and diluted with 4 ounces or more of water, milk, juice, or carbonated beverage or it can be mixed into applesauce or pudding.

Do not dilute this with coffee, tea, colas or apple juice - the medication may lose effectiveness. Take immediately after diluting.

This medication must be taken as prescribed. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped. It may take up to two weeks before the full effects of this medication are noted.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness.

Other side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite, headache, drooling, dry mouth, sweating, sleep disturbances or restlessness. These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication.

Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, rapid heart rate, aching muscles and joints, unusual bleeding or bruising, tremors, involuntary movements of the face/tongue/or mouth (chewing movements, puckering, or twitching tongue).

In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking haloperidol, tell your doctor if you have the following: difficulty urinating, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, lung disease, heart or blood vessel disease, seizure disorder, kidney or liver problems, thyroid problems, prostate problems, drug allergies.

This drug decreases your ability to regulate body temperature, resulting in severe chilling. Do not swim in extremely cold water. This medication can reduce sweating making you susceptible to overheating. Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather and saunas.

Use of alcohol and other sedative type medications can lead to extreme drowsiness.

This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure. Wear a sunscreen and protective clothing.

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Haloperidol is excreted into breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: lithium, carbamazepine, fluoxetine, methyldopa, phenytoin, barbiturates, anticholinergic drugs (e.g., propantheline), drugs used for Parkinson's disease or other conditions affecting muscle control, narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Symptoms of overdose may include agitation, very dry mouth, unusual drowsiness or deep sleep, slow or shallow breathing, rapid or irregular pulse, and muscle weakness, rigidity, or tremor.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced times. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.