Drug Name:Haloperidol
Drug Class:Antipsychotic
Mechanism of Action:
  • Blocks dopamine receptors in the brain
  • Also has some effect on serotonin and norepinephrine receptors
Use:
  • Treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
  • Management of severe behavioral problems in children
  • Control of tics and vocal utterances in Tourette's syndrome
Side Effects:
  • Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as tremors, rigidity, and akathisia
  • Sedation
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Blurred vision
  • Weight gain
  • Tardive dyskinesia (TD) with long-term use
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to haloperidol or other antipsychotics
  • Comatose states
  • Severe CNS depression
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Prolonged QT interval
Specialty:
  • Psychiatry
  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology