warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Haldol (Haloperidol)?

You should not use haloperidol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Parkinson's disease; or
certain conditions that affect your central nervous system (such as severe drowsiness, or slowed thinking caused by taking other medicines or drinking alcohol).

Haloperidol may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart problems, angina (chest pain);
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
low blood pressure;
a seizure;
a thyroid disorder;
breast cancer; or
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low blood levels of potassium or magnesium).

Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop the medicine without your doctor's advice.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Haldol (Haloperidol)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

High doses or long-term use of haloperidol can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use haloperidol, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
muscle spasms in your neck, tightness in your throat, trouble swallowing;
rapid changes in mood or behavior;
fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
cough with mucus, chest pain, feeling short of breath;
low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing; or
severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Common side effects may include:

drowsiness;
headache;
dizziness, spinning sensation;
uncontrolled muscle movements;
feeling restless or anxious;
sleep problems (insomnia); or
breast enlargement, irregular menstrual periods.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Haldol (Haloperidol)?

Use Haldol (Haloperidol) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Taking too much haloperidol can cause a serious heart rhythm disorder or sudden death. Never take more than your prescribed dose.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Your symptoms may not improve for several weeks.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using haloperidol suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Haldol (Haloperidol)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.