Haloperidol Information

HALOPERIDOL is used to treat schizophrenia. This medicine is also used to control tics and vocal outbursts in patients with Tourette's syndrome and treat behavioral problems in children with severe conduct disorders. It should only be used in these children if other medicines have not worked.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -dementia -head injury -lung disease -Parkinson's disease -an unusual or allergic reaction to haloperidol, tartrazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications: -arsenic trioxide -certain antibiotics like grepafloxacin, pentamidine, sparfloxacin -certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole -certain medicines for malaria like chloroquine, halofantrine -certain medicines for irregular heart beat like dofetilide, dronedarone -cisapride -droperidol -levomethadyl -methadone -pimozide -ranolazine -risperidone -thioridazine -ziprasidone This medicine may also interact with the following medications: -alcohol -atropine -benztropine -cabergoline -carbamazepine -certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances -certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like levodopa -certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin -dicyclomine -lithium -narcotic medicines for pain -other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm) -promethazine -rifampin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be a few weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. You may get dizzy or drowsy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice, some nonprescription medicines may increase possible side effects. Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise. This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -breast pain or swelling or unusual production of breast milk -confusion -difficulty breathing -difficulty in speaking or swallowing -difficulty passing urine, or sudden loss of bladder control -dizziness or light headedness -fast or irregular heartbeat -fever, chills, or sore throat -hot, dry skin or lack of sweating -loss of balance or difficulty walking -seizures -skin rash -stiffness, spasms, trembling -uncontrollable tongue or chewing movements, smacking lips or puffing cheeks -uncontrollable muscle spasms, in the face hands, arms, or legs, twisting body movements -unusually weak or tired Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -anxiety or agitation -constipation or diarrhea -decreased sexual ability -menstrual changes -nausea or vomiting -weight gain.