haloperidol /hal′ōper″ədôl/ , a butyrophenone antipsychotic drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of schizophrenia, in the control of tics and verbal utterance of Tourette’s syndrome, in the treatment of severe behavioral problems in children, and as a sleep aid. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Parkinson’s disease, concurrent administration of central nervous system depressants, liver or renal dysfunction, severe hypotension, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: There is a wide range of adverse effects. Among the more serious adverse effects are hypotension and hypersensitivity reactions. It also has comparatively high risk for a variety of extrapyramidal effects, including pseudoparkinson signs and symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, dystonia, and akathisia.
