Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be exercised while using Haloperidol as follows:
- Haloperidol carries the risk of elevating cholesterol levels. Individuals with history of hyperlipidemia, plaque formation, and myocardial infarction, must be cautious with intake of haloperidol, with regular labs drawn for evaluation of blood lipid levels. Observe compliance with any medications and dietary limitations prescribed for controlling the elevated blood lipids. Individuals with hyperlipidemia and plaque formations can present with compromised exercise tolerance, increasing shortness of breath, and episodes of chest pain. Report any such findings to your physician immediately, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- Haloperidol use may aggravate some underlying cardiac arrhythmias. Haloperidol can also interact with many antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, antiarrhythmic medications, antidepressants, and other antipsychotic medications, resulting in development or aggravation of underlying cardiac arrhythmias, leading to debility and sudden cardiac death. Avoid taking haloperidol along with medications belonging to the above-mentioned groups, to prevent any dangerous arrhythmias from developing. Observe compliance with prescribed anti-arrhythmic medications, if any, for controlling the arrhythmia. Closely follow for development/worsening of signs and symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia, such as, episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Report any such findings to your physician immediately, so that, an alternative plan of care could be considered.
