Haloperidol: Uses, Side Effects, and Safety Guide
Haloperidol is a prescription medicine in a family called antipsychotics. It is used to manage symptoms of conditions such as schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome, and for certain severe behavior problems. It is available in forms that are swallowed or given by injection.
Haloperidol can help control agitation, hallucinations, or other symptoms of mental illness, but it may cause serious side effects. Take it only as prescribed, and do not stop or change your dose without speaking with your doctor.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AD01
- Generic
- Haloperidol
- Class
- antipsychotic
- Brands
- Haldol
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 20
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 12
- Routes
- oral, im, iv
- Forms
- tablet, injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- extrapyramidal-symptoms, cardiac-qt
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
- 0.5-5mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5-2mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5-2mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; consider discontinuing before delivery to avoid neonatal extrapyramidal symptoms
regular fetal monitoring, monitor for neonatal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use near delivery if possible; neonatal monitoring required
fetal growth monitoring, neonatal assessment for withdrawal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or use lowest effective dose
haloperidol passes into breast milk; avoid breastfeeding or discontinue drug if essential
monitor infant for sedation, feeding problems, developmental milestones, extrapyramidal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower doses, typically half adult dose
use lowest effective dose; increased risk of extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation, and orthostatic hypotension
regular assessment of movement disorders, blood pressure, cognitive function, fall risk
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 3 to 12 yearsweight-based dosing, start low and titrate slowly
FDA approved for children 3 years and older for certain conditions; monitor closely for side effects
monitor growth, development, extrapyramidal symptoms, metabolic parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; limited data on dosing adjustments
monitor renal function, adjust dose based on clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 25-50%
haloperidol is metabolized in liver; use with caution and adjust dose
monitor liver function tests, clinical response, and side effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
First-generation antipsychotic medication
Primary mechanism
Primary pharmacological mechanism of action
Common uses
FDA-approved therapeutic indications
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Haloperidol
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 July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy