Haloperidol Tablet 1.5 mg

Description

Haloperidol 1.5 mg is an oral tablet containing the active ingredient Haloperidol. It is a potent antipsychotic medication, specifically classified as a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic, or a butyrophenone derivative. It primarily works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps to alleviate psychotic symptoms, control agitation, and manage certain behavioral disturbances. The 1.5 mg strength is a relatively low dose, often used for milder symptoms, maintenance therapy, or in sensitive patients.

Advantages

Effective Antipsychotic: Highly effective in reducing positive symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and delusions.
Sedative Properties: Can help to calm agitation and reduce aggressive behaviors.
Anti-emetic Effect: Possesses anti-nausea and anti-vomiting properties, useful in specific situations (though not its primary indication at this dose).
Long History of Use: Well-established medication with a clear understanding of its effects and side effects.
Oral Convenience: Tablet form allows for easy daily administration.
Cost-Effective: Generally an affordable medication.

Uses

Haloperidol 1.5 mg is used to manage a variety of psychiatric and behavioral conditions, often when lower doses are sufficient or for maintenance therapy:

Schizophrenia: Management of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, to control symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorganization.
Other Psychotic Disorders: Treatment of other psychotic disorders and conditions where psychotic symptoms are present.
Mania: Control of manic states in bipolar disorder, especially when associated with severe agitation or aggression.
Agitation and Aggression: Short-term management of severe behavioral problems in children and adults, particularly those involving agitation, aggression, or self-harm, when other treatments have failed or are contraindicated.
Tourette’s Disorder: To control severe tics and vocalizations associated with Tourette’s disorder.
Behavioral Problems in Dementia (Off-label/Cautious Use): Sometimes used cautiously for severe agitation or psychosis in dementia, though generally avoided due to significant side effect risks in this population.

Nature

Haloperidol is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic. Its primary pharmacological action involves potent antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, particularly in the mesolimbic pathway. By blocking these receptors, it reduces excessive dopaminergic activity, which is believed to be a key factor in the development of positive psychotic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions).

In addition to D2 receptor blockade, haloperidol also has some antagonistic effects on alpha-1 adrenergic and histamine H1 receptors, contributing to its sedative and hypotensive (lowering blood pressure) effects. Its high affinity for D2 receptors is also responsible for its extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) such as tremor, rigidity, and involuntary movements.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store Haloperidol 1.5 mg tablets at controlled room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Brief excursions between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) are generally acceptable.
Protect from Light and Moisture: Keep the tablets in their original, tightly closed container, protected from direct light, heat, and excessive moisture. Avoid storing in humid environments like bathrooms.
Keep Out of Reach of Children: Store the medication in a secure place, well out of the sight and reach of children and pets, as accidental ingestion can be dangerous.
Do Not Freeze: Do not freeze the tablets.
Check Expiry Date: Always check the expiry date on the packaging. Do not use the medication after this date. Properly dispose of any expired or unused medication according to local pharmacy or waste disposal guidelines.