Haloperidol (Injection)

Haloperidol (ha-loe-PER-i-dole)

Treats behavior problems, agitation, and symptoms of Tourette's syndrome.

Brand Name(s):

Haldol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to haloperidol or if you have Parkinson's disease.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An intramuscular (in-tra-MUS-kyoo-ler) or IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (upper arm, thigh, buttocks).
• This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IM medicine, such as a nurse.

If a dose is missed:

• Use your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual schedule.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Throw away any unused medicine if the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking lithium, seizure medicine, sedatives, sleeping pills, narcotic pain-killers, muscle relaxants, cold or allergy medicine, or methyldopa (Aldomet®, Aldoril®).
• Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you have heart or lung disease, a seizure disorder (epilepsy), an enlarged prostate, glaucoma, trouble urinating, depression, or an allergy to tartrazine or aspirin.
• This medicine may make you more sensitive to sunlight and heat. Avoid sunlamps, hot tubs, tanning beds, and saunas. Take care not to get overheated during exercise or outdoor activity. Use a sunscreen when outdoors.
• There is a risk of having tardive dyskinesia (TAR-div dis-ken-EE-zha) while taking this medicine. This causes uncontrollable muscle movements. Discuss this risk with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Tremors or movements that you cannot control in the face, neck, jaw, or eyes
• Skin rash
• Yellowing of eyes or skin
• Unexplained fever or muscle stiffness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness, depression, or headache
• Dry mouth
• Hallucinations or confusion
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
• Trouble sleeping, restlessness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.