Time to retire haloperidol?
Current Psychiatry. 2020 May;19(5):18-28
May 1, 2020|Current Psychiatry
Author and Disclosure Information
For emergency agitation, evidence suggests newer alternatives may be a better choice.
Bottom Line
Although there is no perfect IM medication to treat acute agitation, haloperidol’s higher risk of adverse effects relative to newer alternatives suggest that it should no longer be considered a first-line intervention.
Related Resources
- Zun LS. Evidence-based review of pharmacotherapy for acute agitation. Part 1: onset of efficacy. J Emerg Med. 2018;54(3):364-374.
- Zun LS. Evidence-based review of pharmacotherapy for acute agitation. Part 2: safety. J Emerg Med. 2018;54(4): 522-532.
Drug Brand Names
Aripiprazole • Abilify
Benztropine • Cogentin
Chlorpromazine • Thorazine
Diphenhydramine • Benadryl
Droperidol • Inapsine
Haloperidol • Haldol
Ketamine • Ketalar
Lorazepam • Ativan
Midazolam • Versed
Olanzapine • Zyprexa
Prochlorperazine • Compazine
Promethazine • Phenergan
Propranolol • Inderal, Pronol
Ziprasidone • Geodon
