1. Name Of The Medicinal Product
HALDOL Injection
2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition
Haloperidol 5 mg/ml
3. Pharmaceutical Form
Solution for injection
4. Clinical Particulars
4.1 Therapeutic Indications
Adults:
• Schizophrenia: treatment of symptoms and prevention of relapse.
• Other psychoses; especially paranoid.
• Mania and hypomania.
• Mental or behavioural problems such as aggression, hyperactivity and self-mutilation in the mentally retarded and in patients with organic brain damage.
• As an adjunct to short term management of moderate to severe psychomotor agitation, excitement, violent or dangerously impulsive behaviour.
• Nausea and vomiting.
4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration
Haldol Injection is recommended for IM administration only.
Dosage for all indications should be individually determined and is best initiated and titrated under close clinical supervision. To determine the initial dose, consideration should be given to the patient's age, severity of symptoms and previous response to other neuroleptics.
Patients who are elderly or debilitated or those with previously reported adverse reactions to neuroleptic drugs may require less haloperidol. The normal starting dose should be halved, followed by a gradual titration to achieve optimal response.
Haldol injection should be used at the minimum dose that is clinically effective.
Adults:
Schizophrenia, psychoses, mania and hypomania, mental or behavioural problems, psychomotor agitation, excitement, violent or dangerously impulsive behaviour, organic brain damage:
For control of acutely agitated patients with moderate symptoms: 2-10 mg IM. Depending on the response of the patient, subsequent doses may be given every 4-8 hours, up to a maximum of 18 mg/day.
Infrequently, severely disturbed patients may require an initial dose of up to 18 mg.
Oral treatment should succeed intramuscular administration as soon as practicable. Bioavailability from the oral route is about 60% of that from the IM route, and readjustment of dose may be required.
Nausea and vomiting
1-2 mg IM
Children:
Not recommended for parenteral use in children.
4.3 Contraindications
Comatose states, CNS depression, Parkinson's disease, known hypersensitivity to haloperidol, lesions of basal ganglia.
In common with other neuroleptics, haloperidol has the potential to cause rare prolongation of the QT interval. Use of haloperidol is therefore contra-indicated in patients with clinically significant cardiac disorders e.g. recent acute myocardial infarction, uncompensated heart failure, arrhythmias treated with class IA and III antiarrhythmic medicinal products, QTc interval prolongation, history of ventricular arrhythmia or torsades de pointes clinically significant bradycardia, second or third degree heart block and uncorrected hypokalaemia. Haloperidol should not be used concomitantly with other QT prolonging drugs (see section 4.5, Interactions)
4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use
Cases of sudden death have been reported in psychiatric patients receiving antipsychotic drugs, including haloperidol.
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Analyses of seventeen placebo-controlled trials (modal duration of 10 weeks), largely in patients taking atypical antipsychotic drugs, revealed a risk of death in drug-treated patients of between 1.6 to 1.7 times the risk of death in placebo-treated patients. Over the course of a typical 10 week controlled trial, the rate of death in drug-treated patients was about 4.5%, compared to a rate of about 2.6% in the placebo group. Although the causes of death were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. Observational studies suggest that, similar to atypical antipsychotic drugs, treatment with conventional antipsychotic drugs may increase mortality. The extent to which the findings of increased mortality in observational studies may be attributed to the antipsychotic drug as opposed to some characteristic(s) of the patients is not clear.
Haldol is not licensed for the treatment of dementia-related behavioural disturbances.
Cardiovascular effects
Very rare reports of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias, in addition to rare reports of sudden death, have been reported with haloperidol. They may occur more frequently with high doses and in predisposed patients.
The risk-benefit of haloperidol treatment should be fully assessed before treatment is commenced and patients with risk factors for ventricular arrhythmias such as cardiac disease; family history of sudden death and/or QT prolongation; uncorrected electrolyte disturbances; subarachnoid haemorrhage; starvation; or alcohol abuse should be monitored carefully (ECGs and potassium levels), particularly during the initial phase of treatment, to obtain steady plasma levels. The risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias may be increased with higher doses (see Sections 4.8 and 4.9) or with parenteral use, particularly intravenous administration. Continuous ECG monitoring should be performed for QT interval prolongation and for serious cardiac dysrhythmias if Haldol is administered intravenously.
Haldol Injection is recommended for IM administration only.
Haloperidol should be used with caution in patients known to be slow metabolisers of CYP2D6, and during use of cytochrome P450 inhibitors. Concomitant use of antipsychotics should be avoided. (See Section 4.5)
Baseline ECG is recommended prior to treatment in all patients, especially in the elderly and patients with a positive personal or family history of cardiac disease or abnormal findings on cardiac clinical examination. During therapy, the need for ECG monitoring (e.g. at dose escalation) should be assessed on an individual basis. Whilst on therapy, the dose should be reduced if QT is prolonged, and haloperidol should be discontinued if the QTc exceeds 500 ms.
Periodic electrolyte monitoring is recommended, especially for patients taking diuretics, or during intercurrent illness.
An approximately 3-fold increase risk of cerebrovascular adverse events have been seen in randomised placebo controlled clinical trials in the dementia population with some atypical antipsychotics. The mechanism for this increased risk is not known. An increased risk cannot be excluded for other antipsychotics or other patient populations. Haloperidol should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for stroke.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
In common with other antipsychotic drugs, Haldol has been associated with neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a rare idiosyncratic response characterised by hyperthermia, generalised muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, altered consciousness. Hyperthermia is often an early sign of this syndrome. Antipsychotic treatment should be withdrawn immediately and appropriate supportive therapy and careful monitoring instituted.
Tardive dyskinesia
As with all antipsychotic agents, tardive dyskinesia may appear in some patients on long-term therapy or after drug discontinuation. The syndrome is mainly characterised by rhythmic involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth or jaw. The manifestations may be permanent in some patients. The syndrome may be masked when treatment is reinstituted, when the dosage is increased or when a switch is made to a different antipsychotic drug. Treatment should be discontinued as soon as possible.
Extrapyramidal symptoms
In common with all neuroleptics, extrapyramidal symptoms may occur, e.g. tremor, rigidity, hypersalivation, bradykinesia, akathisia, acute dystonia.
Antiparkinson drugs of the anticholinergic type may be prescribed as required, but should not be prescribed routinely as a preventive measure. If concomitant antiparkinson medication is required, it may have to be continued after stopping Haldol if its excretion is faster than that of Haldol in order to avoid the development or aggravation of extrapyramidal symptoms. The physician should keep in mind the possible increase in intraocular pressure when anticholinergic drugs, including antiparkinson agents, are administered concomitantly with Haldol.
Seizures/Convulsions
It has been reported that seizures can be triggered by Haldol. Caution is advised in patients suffering from epilepsy and in conditions predisposing to convulsions (e.g., alcohol withdrawal and brain damage).
Hepatobiliary concerns
As Haldol is metabolised by the liver, caution is advised in patients with liver disease. Isolated cases of liver function abnormalities or hepatitis, most often cholestatic, have been reported.
Endocrine system concerns
Thyroxin may facilitate Haldol toxicity. Antipsychotic therapy in patients with hyperthyroidism should be used only with great caution and must always be accompanied by therapy to achieve a euthyroid state.
Hormonal effects of antipsychotic neuroleptic drugs include hyperprolactinaemia, which may cause galactorrhoea, gynaecomastia and oligo- or amenorrhoea. Very rare cases of hypoglycaemia and of Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH Secretion have been reported.
Venous thromboembolism
Cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been reported with antipsychotic drugs. Since patients treated with antipsychotics often present with acquired risk factors for VTE, all possible risk factors for VTE should be identified before and during treatment with Haldol and preventive measures undertaken.
Additional considerations
In schizophrenia, the response to antipsychotic drug treatment may be delayed. Also, if drugs are withdrawn, recurrence of symptoms may not become apparent for several weeks or months. Acute withdrawal symptoms including nausea, vomiting and insomnia have very rarely been described after abrupt cessation of high doses of antipsychotic drugs. Relapse may also occur and gradual withdrawal is advisable.
As with all antipsychotic agents, Haldol should not be used alone where depression is predominant. It may be combined with antidepressants to treat those conditions in which depression and psychosis coexist.
Caution is advised in patients with renal failure and phaeochromocytoma.
4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction
Concomitant use of haloperidol with drugs known to prolong the QT interval may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including torsade de pointes. Therefore concomitant use of these products is not recommended (see section 4.3-Contraindications).
Examples include certain antiarrhythmics, such as those of Class 1A (such as quinidine, disopyramide and procainamide) and class III (such as amiodarone, sotalol and dofetilide), certain antimicrobials (sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin IV), tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline), certain tetracyclic antidepressants (such as maprotiline), other neuroleptics (e.g. phenothiazines, pimozide and sertindole), certain antihistamines (such as terfenadine), cisapride, bretylium and certain antimalarials such as quinine and mefloquine. This list is not comprehensive.
Concurrent use of drugs causing electrolyte imbalance may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and is not recommended (see section 4.4-Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Diuretics, in particular those causing hypokalaemia, should be avoided but, if necessary, potassium-sparing diuretics are preferred.
Haloperidol is metabolised by several routes, including glucuronidation and the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (particularly CYP 3A4 or CYP 2D6). Inhibition of these routes of metabolism by another drug or a decrease in CYP 2D6 enzyme activity may result in increased haloperidol concentrations and an increased risk of adverse events, including QT-prolongation. In pharmacokinetic studies, mild to moderately increased haloperidol concentrations have been reported when haloperidol was given concomitantly with drugs characterised as substrates or inhibitors of CYP 3A4 or CYP 2D6 isozymes, such as, itraconazole, buspirone, venlafaxine, alprazolam, fluvoxamine, quinidine, fluoxetine, sertraline, chlorpromazine, and promethazine. A decrease in CYP2D6 enzyme activity may result in increased haloperidol concentrations. Increases in QTc and extrapyramidal symptoms have been observed when haloperidol was given with a combination of the metabolic inhibitors ketoconazole (400 mg/day) and paroxetine (20 mg/day). It may be necessary to reduce the haloperidol dosage.
Effect of Other Drugs on Haloperidol
When prolonged treatment with enzyme-inducing drugs such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, rifampicin is added to Haldol therapy, this results in a significant reduction of haloperidol plasma levels. Therefore, during combination treatment, the Haldol dose should be adjusted, when necessary. After stopping such drugs, it may be necessary to reduce the dosage of Haldol.
Sodium valproate, a drug known to inhibit glucuronidation, does not affect haloperidol plasma concentrations.
Effect of Haloperidol on Other Drugs
In common with all neuroleptics, Haldol can increase the central nervous system depression produced by other CNS-depressant drugs, including alcohol, hypnotics, sedatives or strong analgesics. An enhanced CNS effect, when combined with methyldopa, has also been reported.
Haldol may antagonise the action of adrenaline and other sympathomimetic agents and reverse the blood-pressure-lowering effects of adrenergic-blocking agents such as guanethidine.
Haldol may impair the antiparkinson effects of levodopa.
Haloperidol is an inhibitor of CYP 2D6. Haldol inhibits the metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants, thereby increasing plasma levels of these drugs.
Other Forms of Interaction
In rare cases, an encephalopathy-like syndrome has been reported in combination with lithium and haloperidol. It remains controversial whether these cases represent a distinct clinical entity or whether they are in fact cases of NMS and/or lithium toxicity. Signs of encephalopathy-like syndrome include confusion, disorientation, headache, disturbances of balance and drowsiness. One report showing symptomless EEG abnormalities on the combination has suggested that EEG monitoring might be advisable. When lithium and haloperidol therapy are used concomitantly, haloperidol should be given in the lowest effective dose and lithium levels should be monitored and kept below 1 mmol/l. If symptoms of encephalopathy-like syndrome occur, therapy should be stopped immediately.
Antagonism of the effect of the anticoagulant phenindione has been reported.
The dosage of anticonvulsants may need to be increased to take account of the lowered seizure threshold.
4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation
The safety of haloperidol in pregnancy has not been established. There is some evidence of harmful effects in some but not all animal studies. Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs (including haloperidol) during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk of adverse effects including extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms that may vary in severity and duration following delivery. There have been reports of agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, or feeding disorder. Consequently, newborns should be monitored carefully.
There have been a number of reports of birth defects following foetal exposure to haloperidol for which a causal role for haloperidol cannot be excluded. Haldol should be used during pregnancy only if the anticipated benefit outweighs the risk and the administered dose and duration of treatment should be as low and as short as possible.
Haloperidol is excreted in breast milk. There have been isolated cases of extrapyramidal symptoms in breast-fed children. If the use of Haldol is essential, the benefits of breast feeding should be balanced against its potential risks.
4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines
Some degree of sedation or impairment of alertness may occur, particularly with higher doses and at the start of treatment, and may be potentiated by alcohol or other CNS depressants. Patients should be advised not to undertake activities requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery during treatment, until their susceptibility is known.
4.8 Undesirable Effects
The data provided below covers all haloperidol formulations including the Haldol Decanoate formulations.
The safety of Haldol was evaluated in 284 haloperidol-treated subjects who participated in 3 placebo-controlled, and in 1295 haloperidol-treated subjects who participated in sixteen double-blind active comparator- controlled clinical trials. The safety of Haldol decanoate was evaluated in 410 subjects who participated in 3 comparator trials (one comparing haloperidol vs. fluphenazine and two comparing the decanoate formulation to the oral formulation), 9 open label trials and 1 dose responsive trial. Based on pooled safety data from these clinical trials, the most commonly reported (% incidence) Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) were: Extrapyramidal disorder (34), Insomnia (19), Agitation (15), Hyperkinesia (13), Headache (12), Psychotic disorder (9), Depression (8), Weight increased (8), Orthostatic hypotension (7) and Somnolence (5).
Including the above mentioned ADRs, the following ADRs have been observed from clinical trials and post-marketing experiences reported with the use of Haldol and Haldol decanoate. Frequencies displayed use the following convention:
Very common (
System Organ Class
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Adverse Drug Reactions
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Frequency Category
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Very Common
(
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Common
(
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Uncommon
(
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Rare
(
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Not Known
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Blood and lymphatic System Disorders
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|
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Leukopenia
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Agranulocytosis; Neutropenia; Pancytopenia; Thrombocytopenia
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Immune System Disorders
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Hypersensitivity
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Anaphylactic reaction
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Endocrine Disorders
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Hyperprolactinaemia
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Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion
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Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders
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|
|
|
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Hypoglycaemia
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Psychiatric Disorders
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Agitation; Insomnia
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Depression; Psychotic disorder
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Confusional state; Libido Decreased; Loss of libido; Restlessness
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|
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Nervous System Disorders
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Extrapyramidal disorder; Hyperkinesia; Headache
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Tardive dyskinesia; Oculogyric Crisis; Dystonia; Dyskinesia; Akathisia; Bradykinesia; Hypokinesia; Hypertonia; Somnolence; Masked Facies, Tremor; Dizziness
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Convulsion; Parkinsonism; Akinesia; Cogwheel rigidity; Sedation; Muscle Contractions Involuntary
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Motor dysfunction; Neuroleptic malignant syndrome; Nystagmus;
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Eye Disorders
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Visual disturbance;
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Vision blurred
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Cardiac Disorders
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Tachycardia
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Ventricular Fibrillation; Torsade de pointes; Ventricular Tachycardia; Extrasystoles
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Vascular Disorders
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Orthostatic Hypotension; Hypotension
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Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal Disorders
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Dyspnoea
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Bronchospasm
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Laryngeal Oedema; Laryngospasm
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Gastrointestinal Disorders
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Constipation; Dry mouth; Salivary hypersecretion; Nausea; Vomiting
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Hepatobiliary Disorders
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Liver function test abnormal
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Hepatitis; Jaundice
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Acute Hepatic Failure; Cholestasis
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Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
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Rash
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Photosensitivity Reaction; Urticaria; Pruritis; Hyperhidrosis
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Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis; Dermatitis Exfoliative
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Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
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Torticollis; Muscle rigidity; Muscle Spasms; Musculoskeletal stiffness
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Trismus; Muscle Twitching
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Renal and Urinary Disorders
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Urinary retention
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Pregnancy, Puerperium and Perinatal Conditions
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Drug withdrawal syndrome neonatal (see section 4.6)
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Reproductive System and Breast Disorders
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Erectile dysfunction
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Amenorrhoea; Dysmenorrhoea; Galactorrhoea; Breast Discomfort; Breast Pain;
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Menorrhagia; Menstrual Disorder; Sexual Dysfunction
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Gynaecomastia, Priapism
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General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions
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Injection Site Reaction
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Gait disturbance; Hyperthermia; Oedema
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Sudden Death; Face Oedema; Hypothermia
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Investigations
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Weight increased; Weight decreased
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Electrocardiogram QT prolonged
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Additional Information
Cardiac effects such as QT-interval prolongation, torsade de pointes, ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), and cardiac arrest have been reported. These effects may occur more frequently with high doses, and in predisposed patients.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported in patients taking haloperidol. The true incidence of these reports is not known.
Cases of venous thromboembolism, including cases of pulmonary embolism and cases of deep vein thrombosis have been reported with antipsychotic drugs- Frequency unknown.
4.9 Overdose
Symptoms: In general, the manifestations of haloperidol overdosage are an extension of its pharmacological actions, the most prominent of which would be severe extrapyramidal symptoms, hypotension and psychic indifference with a transition to sleep. The risk of ventricular arrhythmias possibly associated with QT-prolongation should be considered. The patient may appear comatose with respiratory depression and hypotension which could be severe enough to produce a shock-like state. Paradoxically hypertension rather than hypotension may occur. Convulsions may also occur.
Treatment: There is no specific antidote to haloperidol. A patent airway should be established and maintained with mechanically assisted ventilation if necessary. In view of isolated reports of arrhythmia, ECG monitoring is strongly advised. Hypotension and circulatory collapse should be treated by plasma volume expansion and other appropriate measures. Adrenaline should not be used. The patient should be monitored carefully for 24 hours or longer, body temperature and adequate fluid intake should be maintained.
In cases of severe extrapyramidal symptoms, appropriate anti-Parkinson medication should be administered.
5. Pharmacological Properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties
Haloperidol is a central dopamine antagonist. It also has some anticholinergic properties and is an opiate receptor antagonist, and acts at peripheral dopamine receptors.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties
A 10 mg IV dose of haloperidol given over 2 mins produced a peak serum concentration of 34μg/ml at the end of infusion, declining to 1μg/ml by 40 hours. Following IM administration of 2 mg, peak plasma concentrations were similar to after oral ie. 10μg/ml but are reached within 20 minutes.
Haloperidol is rapidly distributed throughout the body.
Haloperidol is excreted in human breast milk, milk concentrations being 59-69% of maternal plasma.
Haloperidol is extensively metabolised by oxidative dealkylation. Metabolites are ultimately conjugated with glycine.
5.3 Preclinical Safety Data
Only limited data are available, however these show no specific hazards apart from decreased fertility, limited teratogenicity as well as embryo-toxic effects in rodents.
Haloperidol has been shown to block the cardiac hERG channel in several published studies in vitro. In a number of in vivo studies intravenous administration of haloperidol in some animal models has caused significant QTc prolongation, at doses around 0.3 mg/kg i.v., giving Cmax plasma levels 3 to 7 times higher than the effective human plasma concentrations of 4 to 20 ng/ml. These intravenous doses which prolonged QTc did not cause arrhythmias. In some studies higher intravenous doses of 1 to 5 mg/kg haloperidol i.v. caused QTc prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias at Cmax plasma levels 19 to 68 times higher than the effective human plasma concentrations.
6. Pharmaceutical Particulars
6.1 List Of Excipients
Lactic Acid
Water for Injections
6.2 Incompatibilities
None known.
6.3 Shelf Life
5 years
6.4 Special Precautions For Storage
Keep the ampoule in the outer carton.
6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container
Amber glass ampoules containing 1 or 2ml of solution for injection. Boxes of 5 ampoules.
6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling
None stated.
7. Marketing Authorisation Holder
Janssen-Cilag Limited
50-100 Holmers Farm Way
High Wycombe
Bucks
HP12 4EG
UK
8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)
PL 00242/0036R
9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation
23 November 1988/25 May 2004
10. Date Of Revision Of The Text
16 Nov 2011
LEGAL CATEGORY
POM
