PO haldol

Do you typically "automatically" add PO cogentin PRN along with PO Haldol PRN? Or is dystonia more an issue with IM haldol?

[B52, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I usually give prn Benadryl with prn po Haldol.

[adnrnstudent, ASN, RN]

Not unless I know they have a Hx and if I knew they had a Hx, I'd get an order for something else. I give PO and IM Haldol daily and never would just add Cogentin or Benadryl.

[nurse lala, BSN, RN]

I would ask the provider about an order for benedryl or congentin.

[matthdrn]

If they have adverse symptoms related to a particular anti-psychotic in the past you would add in cogentin or benadryl depending on their reaction. If you observe a reaction that was not known, ask the provider for an order for the s/sx.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Usually not, unless it's been ordered that way or the patient requests a PRN Cogentin/Benadryl along with it.

[PsychNurse18]

Or psychiatrists order cogentin or Benadryl PRN for most of our patients. That way if they need it then it's available.

[James W.]

Haloperidol is a cheap 'n' potent old-school neuroleptic, & has low soporific value.

If it is being used for cost reasons, then a prn cogentin order ought to be included.

Like-wise, a concomitant sedative might be useful under certain circumstances.