Published
Haldol isn't recommended for elderly pts with Parkinson's!
True to a certain extent. But it isn't an absolute contraindication. It is a relative contraindication.
Relative contraindicationsSpecial caution is advised in the presence of the following conditions:
- Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies
- Patients at risk of QT prolongation, a rare heart condition that increases the risk of arrhythmia originating in the ventricles
- Impaired liver function (the metabolism of haloperidol is mainly hepatic)
- In epileptic patients, haloperidol can reduce the threshold at which a convulsion may occur
- The effects of haloperidol are stronger in patients with hyperthyroidism and there is an increased risk of side effects in this patient group
- The intravenous administration of haloperidol injection can lead to postural hypotension and collapse
Parkinson's is a relative contraindication for haldol, not an absolute contraindication. Haldol should be avoided whenever possible in both the elderly and PD patients, and should not be a scheduled medication but only PRN and after other non-medical interventions have failed, but there are still times where the need for symptom management exceeds the risks.
Rnfortuna
23 Posts
Why on earth would any one consider giving Haldol to an elderly patient with Parkinson's disease admitted for Pneumonia???? Just because he/she is confused/agitated!!