Beach SR, Gross AF, Hartney KE, Taylor JB, Rundell JR. Intravenous haloperidol: A systematic review of side effects and recommendations for clinical use.
Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2020;
67:42-50. [PMID:
32979582 DOI:
10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2020.08.008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Though not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, intravenous haloperidol (IVH) is widely used off-label to manage agitation and psychosis in patients with delirium in the hospital setting. Over the years, concerns have emerged regarding side effects of IVH, particularly its potential to cause QT prolongation, torsades de pointes (TdP), extrapyramidal symptoms and catatonia.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of literature of published literature related to side effects of IVH in PubMed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
77 of 196 identified manuscripts met inclusion criteria, including 34 clinical trials and 34 case reports or series.
DISCUSSION
Extrapyramidal symptoms, catatonia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome appears to be relatively rare with IVH. In most prospective studies, IVH did not cause greater QT prolongation than placebo, and rates of TdP with IVH appear to be low. There is not clear evidence to suggest that IVH carries greater risk for QT prolongation or TdP than other antipsychotics.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the available literature, we provide modified evidence-based monitoring recommendations for clinicians prescribing IVH in hospital settings. Specifically, we recommend electrocardiogram monitoring only when using doses >5 mg of IVH and telemetry only for high-risk patients receiving cumulative doses of at least 100 mg or with accurately corrected QTc >500 ms.
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