Haloperidol intramuscular injection is used to treat schizophrenia (an illness that causes changes in perception, thoughts and behaviour) and paranoia. It helps to relieve symptoms common in schizophrenia and paranoia, such as distorted thinking and emotional instability.
This medicine is also used to treat a dysfunctional mood condition known as mania.
It may also be used in Tourette's disorder to control movement and verbal tics (uncontrollable urge to repeat certain movements, words or sounds).
Haloperidol may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Haloperidol intramuscular injection is to be injected into the buttock muscles.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.
Haloperidol must be administered regularly for it to be effective. Continue the treatment even when you feel better. Do not stop suddenly as it could worsen your condition.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Haloperidol.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe depression
- Parkinson's disease (a brain disease that affects movement)
- lesions of the basal ganglia (part of the brain responsible for coordination of movement)
- heart disease e.g. heart attack, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- overactive thyroid
- low potassium levels in the blood
as Haloperidol may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- heart rhythm problems
- heart and blood vessel disease
- blood clot disorders
- blocked bowel
- paralytic ileus (a condition where the bowel does not work properly)
- enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating
- liver or kidney disease
- narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of Haloperidol intramuscular injection. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of this medicine.
This medicine may affect the ability of your body to adjust to temperature changes in the environment. Avoid exposure to very cold or very hot environments. Avoid strenuous exercise and activities like going to the sauna. Drink more water to prevent dehydration.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Haloperidol.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart before or during your treatment will be performed.
- Certain tests may be performed to make sure that your eyes, blood counts, heart and liver function are normal while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Haloperidol may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, confusion, depression, difficulty sleeping, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, blurred vision, rash, difficulty in passing urine, erectile dysfunction and weight changes.
You may feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- problems controlling movements of your body e.g. uncontrollable twitching or jerking
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- muscle stiffness, high fever, excessive sweating, altered mental status (neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. methyldopa
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine
- medicines to treat depression e.g. citalopram, escitalopram
- other antipsychotics e.g. chlorpromazine, sertindole, pimozide
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. disopyramide, quinidine, amiodarone, dofetilide
- medicine to treat TB (infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- medicine for Parkinson's disease e.g. levodopa
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Haloperidol.
Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol will worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Haloperidol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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