Antipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol, are in many cases neuroleptic in nature, which is why they act as antagonists of certain receptors in the brain , also producing depression of the Central Nervous System in order to act effectively.
In the following article we will talk in detail about haloperidol, where we will mention its main uses in medical treatments, possible side effects and contraindications.
What is haloperidol?
Haloperidol is a medication of a neuroleptic nature , which is why it is used for psychotic treatments. It has 2 mg of haloperidol reduced in hydroxymetabolite, in its composition as active ingredient.
On the other hand, it is a medicine that has a presentation in injectable solution and tablets for an oral route of administration. The recommended doses are 0.5 to 3 mg daily, divided into two or three doses.
Note: Due to its nature and mechanism of action, it is a medication that requires a prescription to be purchased.
What is haloperidol used for?
Haloperidol is a medication used primarily for disorders of psychotic origin and mental conditions . We mention below its main uses in treatments:
1. Mental and behavioral disorders
Usually these types of conditions make it difficult for the patient to be able to distinguish what is real and what is not .
To highlight: Haloperidol has demonstrated through studies its effectiveness for the treatment of these conditions (dementia, mental retardation, mania, bipolar disorder, etc. ) , controlling the pictures and symptoms. (1)
2. Motor and verbal tics
Motor and verbal tics such as Gilles de Tourette syndrome or stuttering are involuntary movements that disrupt a patient’s quality of life.
You should know: The use of haloperidol as a medical treatment allows the control of tics due to its ability to inhibit dopamine , thanks to its antagonistic nature. (two)
3. Anesthesia, nausea and vomiting
Within the postoperative symptoms, due to the presence of anesthesia in our body, nausea and vomiting are usually present . It is therefore, that some studies have verified an effective use of haloperidol, as prophylaxis for them. (3)
Haloperidol Side Effects
All medicines have stipulated possible side effects, which can develop during their consumption. We mention those of haloperidol below:
- Dry mouth and loss of appetite.
- Blurred vision and photosensitivity.
- Diarrhea , nausea, and heartburn.
- Nervousness.
Important: If you have side effects and they do not disappear when you stop treatment, you should seek medical attention for information .
Haloperidol Contraindications
Contraindications are factors that must be taken into account before starting a medical treatment to reduce the risks of developing adverse effects. We mention those of haloperidol below:
- Do not indicate if you have had an allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug.
- Do not indicate if the patient is in a coma or has presented a circulatory collapse.
- Do not indicate if the patient has bone marrow depression.
- Indicate with supervision in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
- Do not indicate if pregnancy is suspected or if you are lactating.
- It should not be indicated in patients with hepatic insufficiency.
- Do not indicate in patients suffering from hypotension or hypertension pictures.
- The mixture with other drugs can trigger dementia, schizophrenia or alcoholism problems.
You should know: It is important to mention the medical history, so that the assigned treatment is always relevant and appropriate.
Key Findings
- Haloperidol is a medication aimed at patients with psychosis disorders.
- Haloperidol is also applied as a prophylaxis of postoperative sedation and the possible toxicity that it can cause in our body.
- Haloperidol has two presentations, one in oral tablets and another in injectable solution with doses that vary from 0.5 mg to 3 mg per day.
- It is important to take into account the contraindications of haloperidol, because schizophrenia or dementia can be triggered as a consequence.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.