Haloperidol tablets

What is this medicine?

HALOPERIDOL (ha loe PER i dole) is used to treat schizophrenia. This medicine is also used to control tics and vocal outbursts in patients with Tourette's syndrome and treat behavioral problems in children with severe conduct disorders. It should only be used in these children if other medicines have not worked.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• abnormal production of milk

• breast enlargement in both males and females

• changes in vision

• confusion

• constipation, stomach pain

• fever, chills, sore throat

• seizures

• signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast, irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; breathing problems

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• trouble swallowing

• uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, head, mouth, neck, or upper body

• unusual bleeding, bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance

• dry mouth

• headache

• restlessness

• weight gain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride

• dronedarone

• metoclopramide

• pimozide

• thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold

• atropine

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• droperidol

• epinephrine

• general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol

• levodopa or other medicines for Parkinson's disease

• lithium

• medicines for blood pressure

• medicines for seizures

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• narcotic medicines for pain

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (an abnormal heart rhythm)

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine

• rifampin

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dementia

• diabetes

• difficulty swallowing

• have trouble controlling your muscles

• heart disease

• history of irregular heartbeat

• if you often drink alcohol

• liver disease

• low blood counts, like white blood cell, platelet, or red cell counts

• low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• Parkinson's disease

• seizures

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to haloperidol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care professional if symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not stop taking except on your health care professional's advice.

You may get dizzy or drowsy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your health care provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This drug can cause problems with controlling your body temperature. It can lower the response of your body to cold temperatures. If possible, stay indoors during cold weather. If you must go outdoors, wear warm clothes. It can also lower the response of your body to heat. Do not overheat. Do not over-exercise. Stay out of the sun when possible. If you must be in the sun, wear cool clothing. Drink plenty of water. If you have trouble controlling your body temperature, call your health care provider right away.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.