HALOPERIDOL (ha loe PER i dole)  is used to treat schizophrenia. This medicine is also used to control tics and vocal outbursts in patients with Tourette's syndrome and treat behavioral problems in children with severe conduct disorders. It should only be used in these children if other medicines have not worked.
  
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider  or pharmacist if you have questions. 

What  should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? 

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: 

• dementia
• head injury 
• lung disease 
• Parkinson's disease 
• an unusual or allergic reaction  to haloperidol, tartrazine, other medicines, foods, dyes,  or preservatives 
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant 
• breast-feeding 

How should I use this medicine? 

Take this medicine by mouth with  a glass of water.  Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with  or without food.  Take your doses at regular intervals.  Do not take your medicine  more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce  the dose.

Talk to  your pediatrician regarding the  use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply. 

Overdosage: If  you think you  have taken too much  of this medicine contact a poison control center  or emergency room at once. 

NOTE:  This medicine is only for you.  Do not share this medicine with others. 

What if I miss a dose? 

If you miss a dose,  take it a soon as  you can. If it is almost time  for your next dose, consult your prescriber or health care professional. You may need to miss a  dose or take  a double dose, depending on your condition and treatment. Do not take double or extra doses without advice. 

What may interact with this medicine? 

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications: 

• arsenic trioxide 
• certain antibiotics like grepafloxacin and sparfloxacin 
• cisapride
• droperidol
• levomethadyl 
• medicines for malaria like chloroquine and halofantrine 
• medicines  to control heart rate 
• methadone
• pentamidine
• pimozide 
• ranolazine
• risperidone
• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications: 

• alcohol
• atropine
• benztropine 
• cabergoline
• dicyclomine
• levodopa or other medicines for Parkinson's disease 
• lithium
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies 
• prescription pain medicines 
• warfarin 

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list  of all  the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs,  or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine. 

What should I watch for while using this medicine? 

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may  be a few weeks before you see  the full effects  of this medicine.

You may get dizzy or drowsy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. 

Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies. Ask  your doctor or health care professional for advice, some nonprescription medicines may increase possible side effects. 

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your  doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. 

Avoid extreme heat or cold. This medicine can stop you sweating and increase  your body temperature. It can also make your body unable  to stand extreme cold. Avoid hot baths and saunas. Be careful about exercising especially in hot weather. Dress warmly in cold weather and do not stay out long in the cold. 

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.  Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. 

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine? 

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: 

• breast pain or swelling or unusual production of breast milk 
• confusion
• difficulty breathing 
• difficulty in speaking or swallowing 
• difficulty passing urine, or sudden loss of bladder control 
• dizziness or light headedness 
• fast or irregular heartbeat 
• fever, chills, or sore throat 
• hot, dry skin or lack of sweating 
• loss of balance or difficulty walking 
• seizures
• skin rash 
• stiffness, spasms, trembling 
• uncontrollable tongue or chewing movements, smacking lips or puffing cheeks 
• uncontrollable muscle spasms, in the face hands, arms, or legs, twisting body movements 
• unusually weak or tired 

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): 

• anxiety or agitation 
• constipation or diarrhea 
• decreased sexual ability 
• menstrual changes 
• nausea or vomiting 
• weight gain 

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. 

Where should I keep my medicine? 

Keep out of the reach of children. 

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. 

 

Notes: Dr. Nelson Crumfield

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EditText of this page (last edited June 28, 2010)