Patient/caregiver was educated on the contraindications of using Haldol as follows:
- Haldol must be cautiously used in individuals with history of diabetes and poor blood sugar control. Haldol carries significant risk of aggravating blood sugars and can result in poor blood sugar control in diabetics. Individuals can present with signs and symptoms of poor blood sugar control, such as, dry mouth, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, dry skin, and blurred vision. Closely follow for these signs and any consistently elevated blood sugar readings, to be reported to your physician.
- Haldol carries the risk of elevating cholesterol levels and so, must be cautiously used in individuals with history of elevated cholesterol, plaque formation, and chest pain/heart attack. Individuals with elevated blood lipids can present with compromised exercise tolerance, increasing shortness of breath, and episodes of chest pain. Report any signs and symptoms of worsening dyspnea and chest pain to your physician immediately, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- Haldol carries the risk of increasing the levels of hormone prolactin in the body. Elevated prolactin levels in males can result in erectile dysfunction, reduced interest for sex, and growth of breast tissue. Elevated prolactin levels in females can result in menstrual irregularities with abnormal/missed period, infertility, breast enlargement and tenderness, and increased breast milk production without being pregnant. Haldol must be cautiously used in individuals belonging to sexually active age group and possibly avoided in males with reduced sexual interest and in females with menstrual irregularities.
