Haloperidol injection
HALDOL IM / IV
Pronunciation: ha-loe-PER-i-doel
What it isInjectable high-potency D2/D3 antagonist; rapid control of severe agitation and psychosis.
Why this oneUnlike IM olanzapine, it can be combined with benzodiazepines and adds little direct respiratory depression.
What limits itAcute dystonia, akathisia, and QT prolongation are key hazards; IV use is off label and warrants cardiac monitoring.
FDA label
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BOXED WARNING Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis; not approved for dementia-related psychosis.
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schizophrenia (prompt control of acute agitation) | Adults | 2–5 mg IM | Repeat as often as every hour (or every 4–8 h) per response | 20 mg/day |
Renal Undefined.
Hepatic Not studied; concentrations may increase in hepatic impairment — use caution/lower doses.
Instructions
- Administer intramuscularly (label states not approved for IV; if given IV, monitor ECG for QTc prolongation)
- Switch to oral form as soon as practicable (first oral dose 12–24 h after last parenteral dose)
- Use lower doses in debilitated/geriatric patients
Available strengths
- inj 5 mg/mL
Contraindications
- Severe toxic CNS depression or comatose states from any cause
- Parkinson's disease
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
Cautions
- QTc prolongation/torsades de pointes (higher with IV/high doses)
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Leukopenia/neutropenia/agranulocytosis
- Cerebrovascular reactions
Adverse reactions
- Extrapyramidal disorder
- Hyperkinesia
- Tremor
- Hypertonia
- Dystonia
- Somnolence
Pregnancy Undefined.
Lactation Undefined.
Cost
Haloperidol injection (HALDOL IM / IV)
What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg/mL | inj | per unit | $0.78/mL | not offered |
Other forms: Haloperidol (HALDOL)
⚠ BOXED WARNING
- Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Defining liabilityExtrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia and torsades risk