Drug Generic Name: haloperidol

Indication Organic Psychoses Acute psychotic symptoms Relieve hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking Severe anxiety Seizures

Action Alters the effects of dopamine in the CNS Also has anticholinergic & alpha-adrenergic blocking activity Diminished signs & symptoms of psychoses

Contra-indications Severe toxic central nervous system depression or comatose states from any cause and in individuals who are hypersensitive to this drug or have Parkinson's disease

Effects CNS: extrapyramidal symptom such as muscle rigidity or spasm, shuffling gait, posture leaning forward, drooling, masklike facial appearance, dysphagia, akathisia, tardive dyskinesia, headache, seizures. CV: tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension, orthostatic hypertension. EENT: blurred vision, glaucoma GI: dry mouth, anorexia, nausea, vomiting

Nursing Considerations Advise patient to take medication as directed. Take missed doses as soon as remembered, witih remaining doses evenly spaced through out the day. Inform client that it may require several weeks to obtain desired effects so advise the client to not increase dose or discontinue medication without consulting health care professional. Instruct the client to take antacids 2 hrs before or after this drug. Advice client to avoid hazardous activities until drug response is determined because dizziness and blurred vision are common. Remind client to avoid OTC preparations bec. serious drug interactions may occur. Instruct client to avoid the use of alcohol & other CNS depressants since increased drowsiness may occur.

Classification: Antipsychotic, antiemetic