Patient/caregiver was educated on the contraindications of using Haloperidol as follows:
- Haloperidol can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on haloperidol, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with haloperidol. Also, if you have been taking haloperidol for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of haloperidol intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
- Haloperidol intake can induce dizziness and make one drowsy. Do not take haloperidol with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the dizziness and confusion caused by haloperidol. A number of OTC cough medications and antihistamines, muscle relaxant medications, antidepressant medications, antipsychotics, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by haloperidol and so, must be avoided taking along with haloperidol.
- Haloperidol must be cautiously used or avoided in individuals with history of blood cell disorder, especially of low white blood cell count. Haloperidol carries significant risk of suppressing production of white blood cells from the bone marrow and lead to agranulocytosis. Reduced white blood cell count can contribute to lowered immunity, thus resulting in frequent fever, chills, sore throat, and risk for frequent infections.
