Haloperidol Haldol

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Haloperidol (Haldol)

• EMT Intermediate
• And
• Paramedic

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Class

• Antipsychotic and neuroleptic

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Description

• Haloperidol is a frequently used tranquilizer.

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Mechanism of Action

• Haloperidol is a major tranquilizer of the
  butyrophenone class that has proved effective in
  management of acute psychotic episodes. It has
  pharmacological properties similar to those of
  the phenothiazine class of drugs (e.g.,
  Thorazine). Haloperidol appears to block
  dopamine receptors in the brain associated with
  mood and behavior. However, its precise
  mechanism of action Is not clearly understood.
  Haloperidol has weak anticholinergic properties.

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Pharmacokinetics

• Onset
• IV (Unknown)
• IM 30-45 minutes
• Peak Effects
• 10-20 minutes
• Duration Varies
• Half-Life 3-35 hours

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Indications

• Haloperidol is used in acute psychotic episodes.

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Contraindications

• Haloperidol should not be administered in cases
  in which other drugs, especially sedatives, may
  be present. It should not be used in the
  management of dysphoira caused by Talwin because
  it may promote sedation and anesthesia.

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Precautions

• Haloperidol may impair mental and physical
  abilities. Occasionally, orthostatic hypotension
  may be seen in conjunction with haloperidol use.
  Caution should be used when administering
  haloperidol to patients taking anticoagulants.
  Extrapyramidal or dystonic reactions have been
  know to occur following the administration of
  haloperidol, especially in children.
  Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) should be readily
  available.

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Precautions cont.

• Although haloperidol has not received a black
  box warning from the FDA, paramedics should know
  that there have been reported adverse
  cardiovascular effects, most notably several
  cases of prolonged Qt/QTc and some cases of
  torsade de pointes. Most, but not all
  complications, were associated with much higher
  doses than those used in prehospital care.

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Side Effects

• Esxtrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Drowsiness
• Tachycardia

• Seizures
• Respiratory Depression
• Dry Mouth
• Constipation
• Hypotension

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Interactions

• Antihypertensive medications may increase the
  likelihood of a patient developing hypotension
  with haloperidol administration. Haloperidol
  should be used with caution in patients taking
  lithium, because irreversible brain damage
  (encephalopathic syndrome) has been reported when
  these tow drugs are used together.

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Dosage

• Online orders must be obtain prior to the
  administration of Haloperidol
• IV
• 5 mg
• Rate of 5 mg/min
• IM
• 5 mg

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Supplied

• Haloperidol is supplied in 5 mg vials.