Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is particularly important for elderly patients, since they may react very strongly to this medicine.

For patients taking the liquid form of this medicine:

  • This medicine is to be taken by mouth and it comes in a dropper bottle. Each dose is to be measured with the specially marked dropper provided with your bottle. Do not use other droppers since they may not deliver the correct amount of medicine.
  • This medicine should be mixed with water or a beverage, such as orange juice, apple juice, tomato juice, or cola, and taken immediately after mixing.

Continue taking this medicine for the full time of treatment. Sometimes haloperidol must be taken for several days to several weeks before its full effect is reached.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage forms (solution or tablets):
    • For nervous, emotional, or mental conditions:
      • Adults and children 13 years of age and older—At first, 0.5 to 5 milligrams (mg) 2 or 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg per day.
      • Older adults—At first, 0.5 to 2 mg 2 or 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg per day.
      • Children 3 to 12 years of age and weighs 15 to 40 kilograms (kg)—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children younger than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
    • For Tourette's disorder:
      • Children 3 to 12 years of age and weighs 15 to 40 kilograms (kg)—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 0.05 to 0.075 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day.
      • Children younger than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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