Haloperidol (By Mouth)

Haloperidol (ha-loe-PER-i-dole)

Treats symptoms of mental and emotional disorders. Helps patients with Tourette's syndrome and children with severe behavior problems.

Brand Name(s):

Haldol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to haloperidol or if you have Parkinson's disease.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• You may take your tablet medicine with food to avoid stomach upset.
• Carefully measure the oral liquid dose using the dropper that comes with the medicine.
• You may mix the oral liquid medicine with one-half glass of water, juice, or milk, and drink it right away. Do not mix with liquids that contain caffeine (such as coffee, tea, or cola).

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for your next usual dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any other drugs that could make you sleepy such as, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, medicine for depression, strong pain killers, or cold or allergy medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before taking haloperidol if you have a history of breast cancer, seizures, glaucoma, heart, liver, or kidney disease, or other medical problems.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Haloperidol can make you dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if driving a car or using machinery.
• Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor.
• You may be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures while taking this medicine.
• This medicine may cause side effects that include muscle spasms, twitching in the face and body, and uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement. Talk to your doctor about this.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fever, severe muscle stiffness
• Fast breathing, fast heartbeat
• Spasms or cramps in the neck, face, or back
• Muscle twitching or jerking

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Dry mouth, loss of appetite, nausea
• Constipation
• Changes in vision, such as difficulty focusing
• Pain or swelling in the breasts

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.