Haloperidol in palliative care.
Haloperidol is one of 20 'essential' medications in palliative care. Its use is widespread in palliative care patients. The pharmacology of haloperidol is complex and the extent and severity of some of its adverse effects, particularly extrapyramidal adverse effects (EPS), may be related to the route of administration. Indications for the use of haloperidol in palliative care are nausea and vomiting and delirium. Adverse effects include EPS and QT prolongation. Sedation is not a common adverse effect of haloperidol. It is important that palliative care practitioners have a comprehensive understanding of the indications, doses, adverse effects and pharmacology of haloperidol. This review is intended to address these issues.
Vella-Brincat
Jane
J
Nurse Maude Hospice, Christchurch, New Zealand. janevb@cdhb.govt.nz
Macleod
A D
AD
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016292:Procedural Sedation; D003693:Delirium / Q000188:drug therapy; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced; D009325:Nausea / Q000188:drug therapy; D014839:Vomiting / Q000188:drug therapy
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006220:Haloperidol