Haloperidol
Haloperidol is a first-generation antipsychotic used for selected severe psychiatric or behavioural symptoms. It can cause serious movement and heart-rhythm adverse effects.
Key points
- New stiffness, tremor, restlessness or involuntary movements needs prompt review.
- QT prolongation and dangerous rhythm risk increase with heart disease, electrolyte loss and interacting medicines.
- Fever with severe stiffness or confusion can indicate neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Listings are for comparison only; suitability and supply depend on diagnosis, prescription, heart and interaction checks, and pharmacy review.
What haloperidol is used for
Haloperidol may be used for selected psychosis, severe agitation or other clinician-defined indications. Form and treatment setting affect monitoring.
Important safety checks
Review Parkinsonism, dementia, seizures, fainting, heart rhythm, low potassium or magnesium, pregnancy and all sedating or QT-prolonging medicines.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for fever with severe stiffness or confusion, fainting, seizure, a new irregular heartbeat, swallowing or breathing difficulty, suicidal intent or severe uncontrolled movements.