Haloperidol Description

Generic Name : HALOPERIDOL

Pronunciation : (ha loe per' i dole)

Trade Name(s) : Halidol, Drpidol, Serenace

Why it is prescribed: Haloperidol is a tranquilizer used to treat emotional and mental conditions. It is also used to prevent and control nausea and vomiting, to treat behavior problems in children, and to control muscular tics of the face, neck, hands, and shoulders.

When it is to be taken: Haloperidol usually is taken two or three times a day. It must be taken regularly to be effective. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.

How it should be taken: Haloperidol comes in the form of tablets and oral liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Haloperidol oral liquid comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. Do not allow the oral liquid to touch your skin or clothing; it can irritate your skin.

Special Instruction :
1. Haloperidol can cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
2. Do not stop taking haloperidol abruptly. Your doctor may want to decrease your dose gradually.
3. Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your dose may need to be adjusted occasionally.
4. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time you are scheduled to take the next dose, take only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Dry mouth. Suck sugarless hard candies.
2. Insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, drowsiness, depression, tiredness, confusion, headache. If these effects are severe or persist, contact your doctor.
3. Jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms; fine worm-like tongue movements; rhythmic face, mouth, or jaw movements; slow or difficult speech; difficulty swallowing; tremors; shuffling walk; drooling; inability to sit still; slow, jerky movements; blurred vision; constipation; sweating; difficulty urinating. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take haloperidol, tell your doctor if you have Parkinson's disease; liver, kidney, heart, thyroid, or blood vessel disease; glaucoma; an enlarged prostate; difficulty urinating; allergies, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or lung disease; or a history of seizures.
2. Before you take haloperidol, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially lithium, seizure medication, sedatives, sleeping pills, narcotics, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, methyldopa, and medication for Parkinson's disease, depression, hay fever, allergies, or colds.
3. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, with a general anesthetic, tell the doctor that you take haloperidol. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by haloperidol. Limit your consumption of alcohol.
4. Before you take haloperidol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin, other drugs, or tartrazine; if you ever had a bad reaction to insulin, shock therapy, or any tranquilizer; and if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
5. Haloperidol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Stay out of the sun when possible and wear protective clothing, a sunscreen preparation, and sunglasses. Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold.
6. Haloperidol decreases your ability to regulate body temperature, resulting in overheating and severe chilling.
7. Do not swim in extremely cold water.
8. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.