Haloperidol
- Oral / IM / IVHaloperidolHaldol, Serenace
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits dopamine D2 receptors, resulting in reduced dopaminergic transmission within the four dopaminergic pathways. Also inhibits serotonin (5-HT), muscarinic and α1-adrenergic receptors.
Pharmacology
- More extrapyramidal side effects than atypical antipsychotics.
Clinical Use
- Indications
- Psychosis – schizophrenia, and related disorders
- Acute mania
- Tranquilization – in the acute psychiatric setting
- Adverse Effects
- Extrapyramidal – dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia
- Hyperprolactinaemia – gynaecomastia, galactorrhoea, infertility, sexual dysfunction
- Anticholinergic – dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, delirium
- Drowsiness
- Postural hypotension
- Prolonged QTc
- Dyslipidaemia
- Weight gain