Haloperidol
Haloperidol is a high-potency, first-generation (typical) antipsychotic belonging to the butyrophenone class. It works primarily by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, effectively managing positive symptoms of schizophrenia, controlling tics, and reducing severe agitation.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosages must be strictly individualized by a medical specialist. In adults, standard oral doses range from 0.5 mg to 20 mg daily, administered in divided doses. Pediatric dosing requires extreme caution, careful monitoring, and titration.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated in infants. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated. Do not administer to infants or young toddlers.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Generally not recommended for children under 3 years of age.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or split into 2 doses
- Tracking Notes
- Only for children over 3 years old under strict specialist supervision. Start at the lowest possible dose.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.5 mg to 1 mg daily
- Frequency
- Divided into 2 doses
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing based on 0.05 mg/kg/day to 0.075 mg/kg/day. Monitor closely for extrapyramidal symptoms.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Contraindicated in infants. Safety and efficacy have not been established. |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Contraindicated. Do not administer to infants or young toddlers. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Generally not recommended for children under 3 years of age. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg daily | Once daily or split into 2 doses | Only for children over 3 years old under strict specialist supervision. Start at the lowest possible dose. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.5 mg to 1 mg daily | Divided into 2 doses | Dosing based on 0.05 mg/kg/day to 0.075 mg/kg/day. Monitor closely for extrapyramidal symptoms. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of schizophrenia, acute psychosis, manic episodes in bipolar disorder, Tourette syndrome, and severe pediatric behavioral problems.
Generic Name
HaloperidolBranded Drug Names
Haloperidol is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.