GT-DOL

*Maintenance in schizophrenia and other psychoses:* ORAL: Adult: Initially 1.5-3 mg daily, increasing as required for control, then decreasing for maintenance, usually 3-10 mg daily; max: 30 mg daily. Children 3-13 yrs: initially 500 mcg daily in 2-3 divided doses; usual target dose 1-4 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses, max 6 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses; 13-18 yr: initially 500 mcg daily in 2-3 divided doses; usual target dose 1-6 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses, max 10 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses. BY DEEP IM INJECTION: Adult: Initially 50 mg every 4 weeks, increased in steps of 50 mg if required, increased if necessary up to 300 mg every 4 weeks, dose to be administered into gluteal muscle, if 2-weekly administration preferred, doses should be halved. Elderly: Initially 12.5-25 mg every 4 weeks, if 2-weeklyadministration preferred, doses should be halved. *Childhood behavioural disorders, especially when associated with hyperactivity and aggression, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome:* ORAL: Children 3-13 yr: 250 mcg daily in 2-3 divided doses; usual target dose 0.5-3 mg daily in 2-3 di-vided doses, max 3 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses; 13-18 yr:250 mcg daily in 2-3 divided doses; usual target dose 2-6 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses, max 6 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses.

Administered by IM, although IV administration has been performed. Give haloperidol decanoate (long-acting form prepared in sesame oil to produce slow, sustained release) by deep IM injection into gluteal muscle using Z-track technique and 21G needle. Don't give more than 3 ml per site.

Bradycardia, CNS depression, comatose states, lesions of the basal ganglia, Parkinsons disease, phaeochromocytoma, QT-interval, prolongation

Renal or hepatic impairment, arteriosclerosis, hypocalcaemia, hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia, metabolic disturbances, subarachnoid haemorrhage, thyrotoxicosis, epilepsy, hyperthyroidism, severe cardiovascular disease, predisposing factors for ventricular arrhythmias or venous thromboembolism, stroke or convulsions, depression. Monitor serum electrolytes periodically.

Adrenaline, alcohol, barbiturates, CNS depressants, other antipsychotics, anticholinergics, antacids, do-paminergics, lithium, oral hypoglycaemics, antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, rifampicin, propranolol, drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g. anti-arrhythmics), diuretics, metoclopramide, Inhibitors of CYP3A4 or 2D6.

Anticholinergic effects (e.g. dry mouth, blurred vision), rash, depression, weight loss, dyspnea, oedema,e rythema, hypertension, nodules, pain at injection site, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, somnolence, dizziness, drowsiness, visual disturbances, tachycardia, arrhythmias, ECG changes, altered LFTs, hypotension, convulsions, GI disturbance. Rare: Bronchospasm, hypoglycaemia, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, photosensitivity reactions, pigmentation, Sweating, swelling, toxic epidermal necrolysis