What is "haloperidol"

n. (context pharmaceutical drug English) A neuroleptic and a butyrophenone drug used in the treatment of mental illness such as psychosis.

n. tranquilizer (trade name Haldol) used to treat some psychotic disorders and Tourette's syndrome [syn: Haldol]

Haloperidol, marketed under the trade name Haldol among others, is a typical antipsychotic medication. Haloperidol is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, tics in Tourette syndrome, mania in bipolar disorder, nausea and vomiting, delirium, agitation, acute psychosis, and hallucinations in alcohol withdrawal. It may be used by mouth, as an injection into a muscle, or intravenously. Haloperidol typically works within thirty to sixty minutes. A long-acting formulation may be used as an injection every four weeks in people with schizophrenia or related illnesses, who either forget or refuse to take the medication by mouth.

Haloperidol may result in a movement disorder known as tardive dyskinesia which may be permanent. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome and QT interval prolongation may occur. In older people with psychosis due to dementia it results in an increased risk of death. When taken during pregnancy it may result in problems in the infant. It should not be used in people with Parkinson's disease.

Haloperidol was discovered in 1958 by Paul Janssen. It was made from meperidine. It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. It is the most commonly used typical antipsychotic. The yearly cost of the typical dose of haloperidol is about 20 to 800 pounds (30 to 1,250 US dollars) in the United Kingdom. The cost in the United States is around 250 US dollars a year.