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Overview: Haloperidol is used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, tics caused by Tourette syndrome, and certain severe behavioral problems in children. It belongs to a group of medicines called first-generation (typical) antipsychotics. Common side effects include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Serious side effects may include uncontrolled movements, blood disorders, and heart rhythm changes.

Uses

What is haloperidol used for?

Haloperidol is commonly used for the following conditions.

Haloperidol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does haloperidol work (mechanism of action)?

Haloperidol belongs to a group of medicines called first-generation (typical) antipsychotics. It blocks some areas in the brain where the natural chemical, dopamine, works. This lowers the effect of dopamine in the body. Dopamine affects your behavior and thinking.

How is haloperidol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Haldol

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5 mg oral tablets
  • 1 mg oral tablets
  • 2 mg oral tablets
  • 5 mg oral tablets
  • 10 mg oral tablets
  • 20 mg oral tablets
  • 2 mg/mL oral solution

Haloperidol is also available in injectable forms.

How should I store haloperidol?

Oral Tablet and Liquid. Haloperidol liquid or tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tight, light-resistant container. Avoid freezing haloperidol oral liquid.

Injection Liquid. Injectable haloperidol is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of haloperidol?

The most common side effects of haloperidol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Inability to empty your bladder
  • High or low blood pressure (see below)
  • Restlessness

There may be other side effects of haloperidol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of haloperidol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of haloperidol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Haloperidol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking haloperidol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Parkinson-like Symptoms. Haloperidol may cause involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. It can also cause drooling, falling, or walking or balance problems. These are called Parkinson-like symptoms, or parkinsonism. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any Parkinson-like symptoms.

Uncontrolled Movements. Haloperidol can cause some people to have movements that they cannot control. This condition, called tardive dyskinesia (TD), can cause jerky movements of your face, tongue, or body. TD can be permanent. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of TD.

  • Tongue sticking out
  • Lip smacking or puckering
  • Grimacing
  • Rapid eye blinking
  • Jerking or twisting motion of the arms, legs, or trunk

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Antipsychotic medicines, like haloperidol, can cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Stop taking haloperidol and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • High fever
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
  • Changes in your breathing or heart rate
  • Increased sweating
  • Confusion

Heart Rhythm Changes. Haloperidol may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take some medicines for other heart rhythm problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.

Blood Disorders. Haloperidol can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, low neutrophil levels (neutropenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Sores in your mouth or throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes

High Prolactin Level (Hyperprolactinemia). Haloperidol may cause an increased level of the hormone prolactin in your blood. Increased levels of prolactin could lead to fertility or bone problems. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Irregular or no periods
  • Production of breastmilk when not pregnant or nursing
  • Inability to get or keep an erection
  • Enlarged breast size (gynecomastia)
  • Decreased muscle and body hair

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) and Falls. Haloperidol may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel faint or dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking haloperidol. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use haloperidol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take haloperidol.

  • Haloperidol
  • Haldol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific haloperidol products they stock.

Decreased Awareness. Haloperidol should not be used by people who are in a coma or who have decreased consciousness.

Brain Disorders. Haloperidol should not be used by people who have Lewy body dementia (injection) or Parkinson’s disease.

What should I know about haloperidol before using it?

Do not take haloperidol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share haloperidol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep haloperidol out of the reach of children.

If you are prescribed haloperidol oral liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

People 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from haloperidol. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Haloperidol can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how haloperidol affects you.

Haloperidol can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

Do not stop taking haloperidol without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have uncontrollable or involuntary movements.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using haloperidol?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if haloperidol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Psychosis Related to Dementia. There is a higher risk of death in older adults who take haloperidol or another antipsychotic and have psychosis related to dementia. Haloperidol is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Breast cancer
  • An abnormal heart rhythm, such as the electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormality called QT prolongation
  • Exposure to extreme heat or insecticides
  • Glaucoma
  • Heart disease
  • High or low thyroid hormone level
  • Liver problems
  • Low blood cell levels
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low magnesium or potassium
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • History of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • History of alcohol misuse
  • Planned surgery

Other Medicines and Supplements. Haloperidol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking haloperidol, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how haloperidol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Taking haloperidol during the third trimester of pregnancy could cause a newborn baby to have symptoms such as agitation, breathing problems, or trouble feeding. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take haloperidol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not take haloperidol while you are breastfeeding. Haloperidol can pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does haloperidol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between haloperidol and foods or drinks.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking haloperidol. The combination can increase sleepiness, affect your alertness or concentration, and increase the risk for dangerously low blood pressure.

Does haloperidol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any of the following before taking haloperidol.

  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • A barbiturate, such as phenobarbital, butalbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • An opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, or methadone, which is a medicine used to treat certain types of pain
  • Medicines that can cause QT prolongation, which is a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • A medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • A medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm (antiarrhythmic), such as amiodarone, disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine, or sotalol
  • A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, or sertraline, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • Venlafaxine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • Nefazodone, which is a medicine used for depression
  • Alprazolam or buspirone, which is a medicine used for anxiety
  • Erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others) or levofloxacin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, or ziprasidone, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Itraconazole or ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Ritonavir, which is a medicine for HIV or AIDS
  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of haloperidol, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with haloperidol. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much haloperidol?

If you or someone else has used too much haloperidol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of haloperidol?

If you miss a dose of haloperidol oral liquid or oral tablets, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

If you miss a dose of injectable haloperidol, contact your healthcare provider to find out what to do and when you should get your next dose.