FDA Warning: Haloperidol Joins Droperidol

Haloperidol is associated with a risk for torsades de pointes and QT prolongation.

Many hospitals removed droperidol from the emergency department formulary after the U.S. FDA issued a black box warning in 2001. Haloperidol, another butyrophenone, is also commonly used, both intramuscularly and intravenously, to control agitated patients in the ED. In September 2007, the FDA released a warning that torsades de pointes and QT prolongation might occur in patients receiving haloperidol, particularly when the drug is administered intravenously or at doses higher than recommended. The FDA notes that haloperidol is not approved for intravenous use.

The warning is based on a total of 242 case reports of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes, many of which were confounded by other agents or medical conditions that might cause the…

Reviewing Author

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)