Haldol, Pneumonia, PD

[Rnfortuna]

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!!

[VANurse2010]

If the person is a danger to themselves or others, that would be an indication for an antipsychotic.

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

delirium.

[elkpark]

Because Haldol is a first-line treatment for acute delirium (I hope it was a low dose, though). Thank goodness whoever was doing the ordering knew better than to give her a benzo for the agitation and confusion, which would make the delirium worse.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

^What elkpark said!

[MunoRN, RN]

Because outcomes for untreated hospital delirium are far worse than when it's treated. And it's cruel to leave it untreated, it's very distressing and traumatic for the patient.

[Rnfortuna]

Haldol isn't recommended for elderly people with Parkinson's!

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

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 contraindications

Special 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
  

[Rnfortuna]

http://www.apdaparkinson.org/uploads/files/Medications-to-be-Avoided-7-11-N9k.pdf

[Rnfortuna]

According to the American Parkinson's disease Association, Haldol use should be avoided in eldery.

[MunoRN, RN]

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.

[MunoRN, RN]

According to the American Parkinson's disease Association, Haldol use should be avoided in eldery.

In general, all medications should be avoided in everyone whenever possible. Sometimes medications are needed despite attempts to avoid them.