Benperidol
Benperidol is a typical antipsychotic medication belonging to the butyrophenone class, primarily used in the management of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, helping to reduce psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Benperidol is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders by blocking dopamine activity in the brain.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AD07
- RxNorm
- 1373
- Generic
- Benperidol
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.25-2mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily or divided
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not recommended
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.25-0.5mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterreduce dose if possible
avoid use near delivery; consider tapering before delivery
monitor for neonatal extrapyramidal symptoms and withdrawal
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
avoid breastfeeding during treatment; pump and discard milk
infant should be monitored for sedation and feeding problems
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at 25-50% of adult dose
use lowest effective dose; monitor for sedation, falls, and extrapyramidal symptoms
regular assessment of motor function, cognition, and orthostatic blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17start at low end of dose range
use only if benefits clearly outweigh risks; limited long-term safety data
monitor growth, weight, prolactin levels, and metabolic parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; monitor renal function
monitor renal function tests and adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; avoid in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests and clinical status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification based on chemical structure and mechanism
Primary mechanism
Primary pharmacological mechanism of action
US market availability
Regulatory status in United States
Primary indication
Main therapeutic indication
Benperidol is primarily used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It may also be used for management of severe behavioral problems, agitation, and aggression in psychiatric patients when other treatments have not been effective.
As a typical antipsychotic, benperidol works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain. This dopamine antagonism is believed to be the primary mechanism responsible for its antipsychotic effects, helping to reduce the positive symptoms of psychosis.
Benperidol is typically used when other antipsychotics have proven ineffective. Due to its potent dopamine-blocking effects, it carries a risk of extrapyramidal side effects (movement disorders) similar to other butyrophenones. It should only be used under close medical supervision and is generally reserved for specialist psychiatric use.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy