Haldol (Haloperidol) Flashcards

Drug Classification

• Haloperidol is classified as a conventional antipsychotic, effective in treating psychotic disorders.

Dose Range

• Oral dosing is typically 2-20 mg daily, divided into multiple doses.
• Intramuscular (IM) dosing ranges from 2-5 mg every 1-8 hours, not exceeding 100 mg per day.
• Depot injection via Haloperidol Decanoate is administered at 50 to 100 mg every four weeks.

Pharmacological Action

• Primarily alters dopamine effects within the central nervous system (CNS).
• Possesses both anticholinergic and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties.

Side Effects/Adverse Effects

• Possible adverse reactions include seizures and extrapyramidal symptoms.
• Common side effects are drowsiness, restlessness, and confusion.
• Significant long-term effects can lead to tardive dyskinesia, blurred vision, and respiratory depression.
• Other side effects include hypotension, constipation, dry mouth, sedation, tachycardia, urinary retention, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and agranulocytosis.

Medication/Food Interactions

• Caution with antihypertensives as it can cause hypotension.
• Increased CNS depression may occur when combined with other CNS depressants, alcohol, or anticholinergics.
• Interaction with caffeine and carbamazepine also needs to be considered.

Nursing Interventions/Client Education

• Patients should take the medication as directed and be aware it may cause drowsiness.
• Advise patients to change positions slowly to avoid dizziness.
• Monitor for possible extrapyramidal symptoms and educate on their management.
• Alcohol consumption should be avoided.
• Recommend using sunscreen due to the drug's effects on temperature regulation.
• Emphasize the importance of mouth care and oral hygiene to mitigate dry mouth.

Therapeutic Uses

• Aimed at reducing signs and symptoms of psychoses.
• Also indicated for improving behavior in children with Tourette's syndrome and other behavioral issues.

Nursing Administration Concerns

• Avoid skin contact with the oral solution.
• Administer oral doses with a full glass of water or food to reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
• IM injections should be given slowly using the Z-track method, with a maximum of 3 ml per site.
• Patients should remain recumbent for at least 30 minutes post-injection to minimize hypotensive effects.

Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness

• Effectiveness is indicated by a reduction in hallucinations, insomnia, agitation, hostility, and delusions.
• In patients with Tourette's syndrome, decreased tics and vocalizations signify improvement.
• Enhanced behavior in children with severe behavioral problems is also a positive outcome.