Haloperidol: a quarter century of experience

Abstract

Research on haloperidol's pharmacokinetics, side effects, indications, and efficacy is reviewed. Issues related to high-dose therapy, rapid neuroleptization, intravenous administration, use in geriatric patients, and coadministration with lithium in mania are discussed. Overall, 25 years of experience have indicated that haloperidol can be used safely and effectively to manage a variety of psychiatric illnesses, so long as dosage and method of administration are adjusted to individual patients' needs. Research continues on the use of this drug, not only in psychiatry but in several other areas of medical practice.