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Drug

Haloperidol Decanoate

Common brand names:

Haldol LA

Pronounced

"hal-oh-PAIR-ih-doll deck-ah-NO-ate"

Uses

This medication is used to treat a certain mental/mood disorder (schizophrenia). Haloperidol decanoate is a long-acting form of haloperidol. It may be used by people who have trouble remembering to take medication every day. Haloperidol belongs to a class of drugs known as antipsychotics. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.

Warning

There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for severe behavior problems in hyperactive children when other treatments or medications have not worked.

How to Use This Medication

This medication is the long-acting form of haloperidol. It is usually used in people who have taken the form of haloperidol that is taken by mouth. It is injected deep into a muscle (usually the buttocks) by a healthcare professional. Your first dose may be divided and given as separate injections, 3 to 7 days apart. After your doctor has found the best dose for you, this medication is usually given once every 3 to 4 weeks. The dosage is based on your condition and response to treatment.

This medication takes a while to start working, so you will need to continue to take your other medication by mouth until your doctor tells you to stop.

This medication must be used as prescribed. Do not suddenly stop using this drug without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.