Treatment of severe, refractory agitation with a haloperidol drip.
A case of agitated delirium secondary to bilateral occipital cerebral infarctions in a cancer patient was refractory to trials of large doses of intravenous psychotropic agents, but continuous intravenous infusion of haloperidol controlled agitation rapidly and safely. A total haloperidol dose of 600 mg/day was used without complications. Haloperidol by continuous infusion should be considered in the management of severe, refractory agitation in patients who are medically ill.
Fernandez
F
F
Department of Psychiatry, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.
Holmes
V F
VF
Adams
F
F
Kavanaugh
J J
JJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000150:complications; D003693:Delirium / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
D006220:Haloperidol