Haloperidol decanoate injectable

Therapeutic action

Long-acting antipsychotic.

Indications

Chronic psychosis, maintenance therapy after stabilisation with oral haloperidol.

Forms and strengths, route of administration

• 50 mg in 1 ml ampoule, 50 mg/ml, for IM injection.
• Do not administer by IV injection.

Dose and duration

The initial dose of haloperidol decanoate corresponds to approximately 10 times the daily dose of oral haloperidol.

Adult: one injection every 3 to 4 weeks.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

Due to the numerous and potentially severe adverse effects of haloperidol, patients should be kept under close surveillance.

• Do not administer to patients with cardiac disorders, dementia, Parkinson's disease, or history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
• Administer with caution and carefully monitor use in older patients and patients with hypokalaemia, hypotension, hyperthyroidism, renal or hepatic impairment, or history of seizures.
• May cause drowsiness, extrapyramidal syndrome, early or tardive dyskinesia, constipation, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmia, and orthostatic hypotension.
• In case of extrapyramidal symptoms, try reducing the dose or add biperiden or trihexyphenidyl if severe.
• Avoid or monitor combination with fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, promethazine, ritonavir, carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and QT-prolonging drugs.
• Avoid alcohol during treatment.
• Avoid in women of childbearing age or offer effective contraception.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid.
• Change buttock for each injection.

Dosage