About Haloperidol 5 mg Tablet
Haloperidol 5 mg Tablet contains Haloperidol 5 mg. This is an older (typical) antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions, severe agitation, and tics such as in Tourette's syndrome. It can cause stiffness and other movement side effects. Do not stop it suddenly.
Uses of Haloperidol 5 mg Tablet
- Schizophrenia and other psychoses
- Severe agitation or mania
- Tics and Tourette's syndrome
- Severe nausea and vomiting in some situations (as decided by a doctor)
Benefits
In schizophrenia and psychosis
It can reduce hallucinations, unusual beliefs and agitation, helping you feel calmer and think more clearly.
In tics
It can reduce the number and strength of tics.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Stiffness or shaking
- Restlessness, finding it hard to sit still
- Drowsiness
- Muscle spasms
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
Get medical help if you notice
- High fever with stiff muscles, sweating, confusion or a fast heartbeat — seek emergency care (a rare but serious reaction)
- Fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat, or fainting — get medical help straight away
- Sudden muscle spasms of the neck, jaw or eyes — get medical help
- Uncontrolled movements of the face, tongue, jaw or limbs — tell your doctor
- In elderly people with dementia, medicines of this type have been linked to a higher risk of stroke and death; they should be used in this group only if a specialist decides it is needed
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Swallow the tablet with water; it can be taken with or without food. Do not stop it suddenly.
How it works
It blocks dopamine, a brain chemical that is thought to be overactive in psychosis. This helps calm thoughts and behaviour.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It increases drowsiness and can worsen side effects.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. Babies exposed late in pregnancy may have movement or feeding problems after birth.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It can cause drowsiness and slow reactions. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Kidney Caution
Use with caution in kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in liver disease; your doctor may use a lower dose.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Do not stop it suddenly — talk to your doctor first.
- Tell your doctor if you have Parkinson's disease, heart rhythm problems or epilepsy.
- Report stiffness, shaking or restlessness; your doctor can help manage them.
- Avoid getting overheated or dehydrated.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Same salts, other strengths or forms
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Butyrophenone
- Therapeutic class
- Mental health
- Action class
- Typical antipsychotic (dopamine D2 antagonist)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Medicines that affect heart rhythm | Higher risk of dangerous heart rhythm problems |
| Carbamazepine, rifampicin | Can lower haloperidol levels |
| Levodopa and other Parkinson's medicines | Each may reduce the effect of the other |
| Lithium | Rarely, a serious nervous system reaction may occur |
| Alcohol, sedatives, sleeping pills | Increased drowsiness |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Haloperidol prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: haloperidol). Pharmacist review pending.