Haloperidol (Haldol).
f.
(1) Use. This drug is used in the treatment of acute and chronic psychosis.
In its parenteral (injectable) form (10 milligrams per milliliter of solution), haloperidol is a
potent antipsychotic medication which is well suited for emergency room use.
Haloperidol can be safely prescribed to patients who have liver disease.
NOTE: Haloperidol is considered the gold standard for antipsychotics.
(2)
Adverse effects. Two adverse effects are seen with this drug:
(a)
Extrapyramidal reactions.
(b)
Depression, anxiety, and/or dizziness.
Lithium Carbonate (Eskalith, Lithane).
g.
(1) Use. Lithium carbonate is used in the treatment of manic-depressive
psychosis. After initial administration, approximately 7 to 10 days are required before
the effects of the drug can be observed in the patient.
(2) Adverse effects. The following are some of the adverse effects
associated with lithium carbonate:
IMPORTANT NOTE: The level of lithium carbonate in the bloodstream of the patient is
very significant. The severity of the toxic symptoms tends to increase as the level of the
drug in the patient's blood increases.
(a)
Nausea, vomiting, cramps diarrhea.
(b)
Drowsiness and muscular weakness.
(c)
Tremors.
(d)
Height loss or weight gain.
(3) Cautions and warnings. Cautions and warnings associated with the use
of this agent are:
(a) Patients who are administered lithium carbonate should be kept
under close medical supervision at all times. This is necessary because the amount of
drug required to produce the desired effects is very close to the amount of drug that will
produce toxic effects.
MD0804
9-18