Haloperidol

'Haloperidol is a tranquilizer which also has antiemetic, hypotensive and hypothermic actions. Administered orally or intramuscularly. Haloperidol is a neuroleptic/antipsychotic agent. Haloperidol is used to treat schizophrenia (mental disorder), to control of the vocal utterances and tics (an involutary, compulsive, repetative, and stereotype movement of face and shoulders) of tourette''s syndrome and to control agitated and disrupted behavior.'


Adult Dose
Dose: 3 to 10 mg
Single Dose: 6.5 (6.5)
Frequency: 24 hourly
Route: PO
Instructions: Maintenance
Neonatal
Dose:
Single Dose:
Frequency:
Route:
Instructions: Not recommended in this age group
Paedriatic
Dose:
Single Dose:
Frequency:
Route:
Instructions: Not recommended in this age group
Characteristics
Haloperidol also known as Aloperidolo. . It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Butyrophenone. It belongs to D2 antagonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Psychotherapeutic Drugs pharmacological group.The Molecular Weight of Haloperidol is 375.90. Its pKa is 8.3.
Contraindications
Haloperidol is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac arrhythmia,Depression,Parkinsonism,Thyrotoxicosis,Prostatic hypertrophy,Coma,Close-angle glaucoma.
Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Haloperidol, which give rise to further complications include Tardive dyskinesia, Parkinsonism, Neurological complications, Akathisia, Oculogyric dystonia, Torticollis, Grimacing.Haloperidol produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, Neuroleptic sudden death syndrome. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Haloperidol therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Haloperidol include Hypotension, Unconsciousness, Respiratory depression, Extrapyramidal effects.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Haloperidol are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Constipation, Dry mouth, Blurred vision, Urinary retensionX, Nasal stiffiness, Orthostatic hypotension, Urinary frequency, Cardiovascular effects.
Indications
'Haloperidol is primarily indicated in conditions like Adjunctive therapy, Agitation and restlessness, Anxiety, Childhood-onset pervasive dev. Disorder, Emesis, Gille de la tourette syndrome, Hypercalcaemia of malignancy, Hypomania, Intractable hiccup, Maintenance in schizophrenia and other psychoses, Mania, Motor TICS, Nausea and vomiting, Nausea and vomiting (palliative care), Neuroleptanalgesia, Osteolytic lesions and bone pain, Post-operative nausea and vomiting, Prophylaxis of macrocytic anaemias, Prostate cancer, flare with initial gonadorelin therapy, Psychosis, Refractory agitation, Relief of discomfort in mild UTIs, Resistant schizophrenia, Retlessness and confusion in palliative care, Schizophrenia, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Huntington''s disease.'
Interactions
Haloperidol is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAdrenalinevasopressor effect of adrenaline is reversed by haloperidol.MinorPhenylephrine or noradrenaline or other vasopressor agents can be a good alternative.AlcoholAmiodarone (HCl)amiodarone cause prolongation of the QT interval in increased risk of ventricular arrythmia,ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes because of arrhythmogenic potential related to their effect on cadiac conduction.MajorFrequent use should be avoided.If the symptoms of torsades de pointes occurs patient should advised to seek medical attention.Atomoxetine HClThe effect and toxicity of atomoxetine could be increased by CYP2D6 inhibitor.Buspirone (HCl)Buspirone increases plasma concentration of Haloperidol.CarbamazepineCarbamazepine reduces the plasma concentration of haloperidol.Clomipramine (HCl)Clonidine (HCl)ClozapineHaloperidol exacerbate the adverse effect of clozapine on cardiovascular system.MajorCloely monitor the vital signs. patient should notify to physician if experience symptoms of anticholinergic intoxication. Dose of both drugs should reduce if necessary.Dexamphetamine (Sulphate)DextromethorphanDroperidolFluoxetine (HCl)fluoxetine increase plasma concentration of haloperidolGlycopyrrolateGuanethidineHaloperidol competitively decrease antihypertensive effect of guanethidine at adrenergic neuron.ModerateIf interaction occur an alternative antihypertensive can be given and monitoring of blood pressure is advised.HaloperidolImipramine (HCl)IndomethacinIndomethacinThis combination results in drowsiness and confusion.MinorAdverse neurological effects on close observation may be seen when these drugs use in combination.LevodopaLithiumBoth of them have been use together safely.Fewer patients may observe encephalopathic syndrome consisting of neurotoxic effect and extra pyramidal symptoms followed by irreversible brain damage.Moderate. Larger doses should be avoided. Mainly reduce the haloperidol dose.During the first week of treatment careful observation should be done and if any sign of encephalopathic syndrome occurs discontinued the treatment.MethylamphetamineButyrophenone neuroleptics may antagonize the pharmacologic effects of amphetamine, amphetamine derivatives, and other centrally-acting sympathomimetic agents (i.e., CNS stimulants). Conversely, these agents may diminish the neuroleptic efficacy of butyrophenones. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve opposing effects on dopaminergic activity. Several clinical studies have demonstrated the reduction or lack of effect of amphetamines on weight loss in obese psychiatric patients treated with haloperidol and other neuroleptic agents, most notably chlorpromazine. In one of these studies, dextroamphetamine also had no effect on sleep patterns. Another study found haloperidol to inhibit amphetamine-induced symptoms and may be useful in amphetamine intoxication. As for the reverse interaction, it is uncertain whether CNS stimulants actually antagonize the neuroleptic effect of butyrophenones, since CNS stimulants alone have been reported to cause or aggravate preexisting psychotic symptoms. There has also been a report of acute dystonia occurring in two normal, healthy young women given haloperidol and dexamphetamine as part of a neuropharmacological study. The authors postulated that the reaction was due to a potentiation of dopamine release.ModerateAmphetamine, amphetamine derivatives, and other CNS stimulants should generally not be used, particularly for weight reduction, in patients treated with a butyrophenone neuroleptic agent.MethyldopaMetoclopramide (HCl)MetyrosineNefazodone (HCl)Leacance of Haloperidol is decreased by nefazodone.ParoxetinePramipexoleHaloperidol may decrease the efficiency of pramipexole due to dopamine antagonism.ProchlorperazineProtriptyline (HCl)RifampicinRitonavirCoadministration increases the plasma concentration by decreasing clearance due to competitive inhibition of CYP4502D6.ModerateDose adjustment as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring should be done.VORICONAZOLEVoriconazole may increase the serum concentration of haloperidol by decreasing its metabolismConsider alternate therapy or monitor for changes These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Interfrence
TLC Methods of Measuring Urinary Alkaloids
Risks
Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Storage
Inj, Oral Concentrate Store Below 40°C. Refrigeration and Freezing is not recommended. Protect from Sunlight. Tab Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture.
Warnings
Haloperidol should be used with caution in patients exposed to extreme heat or phosphorus insecticides, patients in state of alcohol withdrawal, patients with history of peptic ulcer, allergic reactions, with renal impairment, prostatic hypertropy. Photosensitization may occur, caution patients to take protective measures i.e. sunscreen e.t.c. against exposure to sunlight or UV light. Discontinue use atleast 48 hrs. before myelography.
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