Halodem Overdosage

Symptoms and signs: The manifestations of haloperidol overdose are an exaggeration of the known pharmacological effects and adverse reactions. The most prominent symptoms are severe extrapyramidal reactions, hypotension and sedation. An extrapyramidal reaction is manifested by muscular rigidity and a generalised or localised tremor. Hypertension rather than hypotension is also possible.
In extreme cases, the patient would appear comatose with respiratory depression and hypotension that could be severe enough to produce a shock-like state. The risk of ventricular arrhythmias, possibly associated with QTc prolongation, must be considered.
Management: There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive. Dialysis is not recommended in the treatment of overdose because it removes only very small amounts of haloperidol.
For comatose patients, a patent airway must be established by use of an oropharyngeal airway or endotracheal tube. Respiratory depression may necessitate artificial respiration.
It is recommended that ECG and vital signs be monitored, and that monitoring continues until the ECG is normal. Treatment of severe arrhythmias with appropriate anti-arrhythmic measures is recommended.
Hypotension and circulatory collapse may be counteracted by use of intravenous fluids, plasma or concentrated albumin and vasopressor agents, such as dopamine or noradrenaline. Adrenaline must not be used because it might cause profound hypotension in the presence of haloperidol.
In cases of severe extrapyramidal reactions, parenteral administration of an antiparkinson medicinal product is recommended.