Haloperidol is a high potency first-generation (typical) antipsychotic. is indicated for the treatment of the manifestations of several psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, acute psychosis, Tourette syndrome, and other severe behavioral states. It is also used off-label for the management of chorea associated with Huntington's disease and for the treatment of intractable hiccups as it is a potent antiemetic. It is available in various forms; the oral route is the most common. For oral administration, it is available as a tablet form and oral concentrate form. It is also available in a nasal spray formulation. Haloperidol lactate is used as a short-acting parenteral solution available for use intramuscularly and intravenously. Haloperidol decanoate is available for long-acting intramuscular preparation. Dopamine-antagonizing medications such as haloperidol are though to improve psychotic symptoms and states that are caused by an over-production of dopamine, such as schizophrenia, which is theorized to be caused by a hyperdopaminergic state within the limbic system of the brain. Use of the first-generation antipsychotics (including haloperidol) is considered highly effective for the management of the "positive" symptoms of schizophrenia including hallucinations, hearing voices, aggression/hostility, disorganized speech, and psychomotor agitation. However, this class of drugs is also limited by the development of movement disorders induced by dopamine-blockade such as drug-induced parkinsonism, akathisia, dystonia, tardive dyskinesia, as well as other side effects including sedation, weight gain, and prolactin changes.

Haloperidol Dopamine Antagonist Pathway References