- Class
- Antipsychotics
- Body system
- Mental health
- Brand names
- Haldol, Haldol Decanoate
What is Haloperidol used for?
- Schizophrenia
- Acute agitation
- Tourette syndrome tics
- Delirium (off-label)
How Haloperidol works
First-generation (typical) antipsychotic: strongly blocks dopamine D2 receptors.
Common side effects
- Extrapyramidal symptoms: acute dystonia, akathisia (restlessness), parkinsonism
- Sedation
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Anticholinergic effects
- Hyperprolactinemia
Report right away
- Fever, muscle rigidity, confusion, sweating and unstable blood pressure (neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
- Involuntary movements of the tongue, face or mouth (tardive dyskinesia)
- Spasm of the neck or eyes (acute dystonia)
- Palpitations or fainting
Nursing considerations for Haloperidol
- Monitor the ECG when giving IV or high doses: QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.
- Treat acute dystonia promptly with an anticholinergic such as benztropine or diphenhydramine, as ordered.
- Screen for tardive dyskinesia with the AIMS scale. Haloperidol decanoate is given deep IM (Z-track) and never IV.
Patient teaching
- Rise slowly.
- Avoid alcohol and overheating (it impairs temperature regulation).
- Report any unusual movements.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Antipsychotics practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Haloperidol belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
-
A patient on haloperidol has a temperature of 104°F (40°C), rigid muscles and confusion. What does the nurse suspect?
Show answer
Answer D: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome Hyperthermia, lead-pipe rigidity, altered mental status and autonomic instability are the hallmarks of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
-
Which monitoring is most important for a patient starting olanzapine?
Show answer
Answer B: Weight, blood glucose and lipids Second-generation antipsychotics, especially olanzapine and clozapine, cause weight gain and metabolic syndrome.
-
A patient on clozapine reports a sore throat and fever. What is the priority?
Show answer
Answer B: Notify the provider and check the absolute neutrophil count Clozapine can cause severe neutropenia; signs of infection require an urgent ANC.
Frequently asked questions
What is Haloperidol used for?
Schizophrenia; Acute agitation; Tourette syndrome tics; Delirium (off-label).
What drug class is Haloperidol?
Haloperidol belongs to the class antipsychotics. First-generation (typical) antipsychotic: strongly blocks dopamine D2 receptors.
What are the nursing considerations for Haloperidol?
Monitor the ECG when giving IV or high doses: QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Treat acute dystonia promptly with an anticholinergic such as benztropine or diphenhydramine, as ordered.
What should patients report while taking Haloperidol?
fever, muscle rigidity, confusion, sweating and unstable blood pressure (neuroleptic malignant syndrome); involuntary movements of the tongue, face or mouth (tardive dyskinesia); spasm of the neck or eyes (acute dystonia); palpitations or fainting.