Parenteral Manual

Haloperidol base

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Alternate Name(s): 
HALDOL
Classification: 
Antipsychotic, antiemetic
Original Date: 
August 2005
Revised Date: 
March 2019
Indications: 
  • Psychosis   
  • Vomiting
  • Delirium   
  • Anxiety
  • Disruptive behaviour   
  • Pain
  • Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome
  • Infantile autism
Reconstitution and Stability: 
  • Available as 5 mg/mL base ampoules
  • Protect from light (exposure to light may cause discolouration and the development of a grayish-red precipitate over several weeks)
Compatibility: 

- Solutions Compatible: D5W, 0.9% NaCl

- Additives/Above Cassette Compatible: no information

- Y-site Compatible: no information

- Syringe Compatible: lorazepam

- Incompatible: no information

Administration: 

(For approved routes of administration by nursing personnel, refer to Policy for the Administration of Intravenous Medications.)

SC NO
IM YES, preferred
Usual dilution: undiluted (5 mg/mL)
IV Direct YES, BP monitoring
Usual dilution: <3 mg/mL
Infusion time: 5 minutes
Infusion rate: do not exceed 5 mg/minute
IV Intermittent Infusion NO
IV Continuous Infusion NO
Dosage: 

(For neonatal dosages, refer to Neonatal IV Drug Manual.)

Pediatric:                  

  • 1-3 mg IM/IV Q 4-8 hours
  • Maximum: 0.15 mg/kg/day

Adolescent/Adult:  

  • 2.5-5 mg IM/IV Q 4-6 hours
  • Maximum: 40 mg/day
Potential hazards of parenteral administration: 

Common Adverse Effects:                                          

  • Sedation
  • Hypotension - monitor blood pressure and pulse of cardiac patients
  • Extrapyramidal effects - acute depression, akathesia, Parkinsonism effects
  • Anticholinergic effects - dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention
  • Inflammation at injection site

Serious Adverse Effects:

  • Neuroleptic withdrawal syndrome
  • Arrhythmias
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (rigidity, hyperthermia, decreased consciousness)
Notes: 
  • Monitor blood pressure if given IV
  • Monitor HR; CBC with differential; liver enzymes; serum glucose, sodium, magnesium
  • Use with caution in patients with history of seizures
  • Haloperidol base and haloperidol lactate can be given IM or IV
  • Haloperidol decanoate is for IM use ONLY

Contraindications:

  • Hypersensitivity to haloperidol
  • Narrow angle glaucoma, bone marrow suppression, CNS depression, coma, severe liver or cardiac disease

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