Haldol Dosage

Haldol belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotics. It is used for the treatment of different conditions associated with hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and agitation such as schizophrenia, mania and other types of psychoses. It can also be used to control tics in Tourette syndrome and severe vomiting.

The prescribed dosage for Haldol varies depending on the condition that is treated and the severity of the symptoms. Other medical problems and reactions to similar medications in the past are also considered. It should be administered in the minimal dose that is effective enough to control the symptoms.

Haldol is available as tablets, oral solution and injectable solutions for intramuscular or intravenous administration.

Oral dosage for adults and children over 12 years old

Usually the treatment is started with a lower dose which is then adjusted depending on the individual response to the treatment.

The initial oral dose for adults and children over 12 years old is 1,5-5 mg per day divided in 2 or 3 smaller doses. Then it can be gradually increased under medical supervision to 10 mg a day. The treatment usually lasts for 3-4 months and then it is continued with a maintenance dose.

Parenteral adult dose

In cases of psychomotor agitation and when a fast effect is needed Haldol can be administered parenterally.

The usual single dose for adults is 2.5-5 mg intramuscularly. If necessary it can be repeated in at least one hour. More than 15-20 mg a day should not be administered.

• Haldol can also be administered intravenously for a very fast effect. The usual dose is 5 mg administered slowly for a minute. If necessary, this dose can be repeated after an hour.
• The injectable solution can also be diluted with 30-50 ml saline and then administered intravenously as an infusion for half an hour.
• The parenteral administration of Haldol in children is avoided.
• For nausea and severe vomiting Haldol is administered at a dose of 1-5mg intramuscularly or intravenously in adults.
• Depot injectable solutions (50 -150 mg Haldol) are also available. They are administered only intramuscularly usually once a month.

Children oral dose

The dosage in children depends mainly on their weight and the severity of the symptoms. The usual initial dose is 0,025-0, 05 mg/kg/day divided into 2-3 smaller doses.

Haldol is not administered to children under 3 years old.

Senior patients

A lower starting dose is recommended due to the decreased metabolism and the higher risk for extrapyramidal symptoms (uncontrollable movements, inability to start moving etc). The initial dose is usually the half of the usual adult dose which is then adjusted according to the therapeutic response.

Dose adjustment is also necessary in the cases of liver or kidney dysfunction.

Precautions

You need to be under regular medical control during the treatment. Haldol should be discontinued gradually as the sudden stop of its use can lead to relapse of the symptoms.