2. Background
โข Acutely agitated or psychotic patients
present a significant challenge to EMS
providers
โข Physical restraint is associated with
significant risk and potential harm to both
providers and the patient
โข Chemical sedation and restraint can allow
proper patient assessment and treatment
โข Alternative agent for intoxicated patients, or
patients who are unresponsive to midazolam
3. Haloperidol (Haldolยฎ)
โข Classification: 1st generation antipsychotic
โข Onset: 5-10 minutes IM
โข Duration of action: up to 20 hours
4. Pharmacology
โข Haloperidol is a 1st generation butyrophenone
antipsychotic dopaminergic receptor antagonist
Mechanism of Action
โข Haloperidol blocks dopaminergic D1 and D2
receptors in the brain;
โข Effects basal metabolism, body temperature,
wakefulness, vasomotor tone, and emesis
6. Specific information
โข Supplied: 5 mg per 1 ml
โข Dosing: 2.5 - 5 mg IM
โข Pregnancy category C
7.
8. Other
โข Can cause dystonic reaction
โ Contact medical control for adverse reaction
โข Patients who receive Haldol should be placed
on a cardiac monitor when behavior allows
โ Watch for QT prolongation
โข Haldol may only be given on a physician order
โข Haldol will not be restocked at the hospital