C₂₁ H₂₃ ClFNO₂

A selective monoaminergic antagonist indicated in the treatment of schizophrenia, manic episodes of bipolar disorder, puerperal psychosis, persistent aggression in dementias such as Alzheimer's, severe tics (Gilles de la Tourette syndrome) and Huntington's chorea. Oral administration in one to three daily doses.

It is excreted in breastmilk in very variable amounts that can become clinically significant (RD 1-12%). ^{(Yoshida 1998, Kuniyoshi 1985, Whaley 1981, Stewart 1980)}

Haloperidol has been found in urine ^{(Whaley 1981)} and high plasma concentrations ^{(Yoshida 1998)} of infants whose mothers were taking it.

Occasionally clinical or developmental problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were taking it:

• Three of fourteen infants whose mothers were taking haloperidol and chlorpromazine simultaneously had a decrease in developmental scores between 12 and 18 months (Rubin 2004, Yoshida 1998).
• A one-month-old infant whose mother was treated daily with 1.5 mg of risperidone 1.5 mg and 0.8 mg of haloperidol had no problems during the first month of life. Sedation and poor nutrition appeared when the dose of haloperidol was increased to 1.5 mg daily (Uguz 2019).

In contrast, no short-term (Whaley 1981) or long-term developmental problems were observed in breastfed infants up to 6 -12 months while the mother was taking haloperidol on its own or with other antipsychotics (Uguz 2016, Mendhekar 2011), which is why some authors consider its use to be probably safe during breastfeeding under medical supervision (Parikh 2014, Klinger 2013).

Haloperidol induces an increase in prolactin and can cause galactorrhea (Rosenbloom 2010, Goodnick 2002, Atmaca 2002, Crawford 1997).

See below the information of this related product:

• Maternal Psychotic Disorder. Maternal psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)