Type of medicine: antipsychotic
Generic and brand names: haloperidol, injection; haloperidol lactate, injection; haloperidol decanoate, injection; haloperidol, oral; Haldol; Haldol Decanoate; Haldol Injection
This medicine is taken by mouth or given by injections (shots) to treat mental and nervous system disorders such as:
This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Taking this medicine during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems for the baby. Symptoms the baby may have include agitation, tight muscles, floppy muscles, shaking, trouble breathing, or trouble feeding. Talk with your provider about this.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine comes in several forms. Shots are usually given by a healthcare provider. If you have the tablets, you may take them with milk or food to lessen stomach upset. If you have the liquid form, use the dropper that comes with the medicine to measure the dose. You may mix the liquid with water or juice right before you take it.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: extreme drowsiness, restlessness, irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, tremors, uncontrolled muscle movements in your tongue, jaw, or neck.
Your healthcare provider will want to see you regularly to check how this medicine affects you. You will need to have blood tests to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all your appointments.
Newborn babies may have trouble breathing or feeding, or other symptoms, if the mother takes this medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy. This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit is greater than the possible risk to your baby. Talk with your provider about this.
This medicine may lower the number of certain types of blood cells in your body. You may be at a higher risk for infections. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Using this medicine for a long time may cause muscle spasms, twitching in the face and body, and uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
While taking this medicine, be careful when you exercise, especially when it is hot. This medicine affects your body's ability to cool down, and you may get too hot. If you get too hot, you might vomit, feel dizzy, have a fast heartbeat, get very stiff muscles, or be confused. Contact your provider right away if you have these symptoms.
This medicine may make you drowsy for several hours. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.
This medicine may cause dry mouth. Sucking hard candy, taking sips of water, or chewing sugarless gum may help. Check with your healthcare provider or dentist if this problem does not go away or becomes severe.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Older adults with dementia are at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Involuntary muscle movements; shaking; extremely stiff muscles; fever; trouble breathing; loss of bladder control; unusual tiredness or weakness; fast or irregular heartbeat; fainting; seizures; severe confusion; trouble speaking or swallowing; hot, dry, skin or lack of sweating; loss of balance; trouble walking; uncontrollable tongue or chewing movements; yellowing of eyes or skin; trouble urinating; vision changes; blurred vision.
Other: Constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, depression, rash, restlessness, change in sexual ability or desire. In women, swollen breasts, secretion of milk, and changes in menstrual cycle.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine because the action of this medicine may be increased, along with the risk of side effects.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Do not allow the oral liquid or injection to freeze.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
