Haloperidol

Antipsychotic — typical

Indications

SchizophreniaAcute maniaAcute behavioural disturbanceTourette's

Adult dose

PO: 1.5–20 mg/day in divided doses. IM acute: 2–10 mg, max 20 mg/24h.

Common side effects

EPS (high — acute dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia)SedationHyperprolactinaemia

Serious side effects

NMSQT prolongationTardive dyskinesiaSudden cardiac death

Contraindications

QT prolongationRecent MIUncompensated heart failureParkinson's diseaseDementia with Lewy bodies

Monitoring

  • Baseline ECG before IV; metabolic monitoring; EPS

Notable interactions

  • QT prolongers
  • CYP3A4/2D6 modulators alter levels

Curated reference based on BNF, Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines and NICE. Verify against current BNF and local guidelines before prescribing.