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Brand: HALDOL DECANOATE
Published 2025-12-23 · Last reviewed 2025-12-30 · 5 references
Content sourced from FDA labeling (DailyMed) and peer-reviewed literature.
Haloperidol decanoate (Haldol Decanoate) is a long-acting injectable (LAI) formulation of haloperidol used for schizophrenia maintenance.
It is a high-potency dopamine D2 antagonist. Relative to many SGAs, it tends to have low metabolic burden but a higher risk of EPS and tardive dyskinesia, with clinically relevant QTc considerations.
Depot pharmacokinetics are slow-moving: concentrations rise after injection, peak around day 6, and decline with an apparent half-life of ~3 weeks. Steady state may take 2–4 months, so dose changes may take weeks to fully translate into clinical effect.
For depot comparisons and interval planning, use the LAI Navigator and the compare tool.
Haloperidol decanoate is often selected when a high-potency first- generation antipsychotic is effective and the treatment team wants a monthly depot schedule to reduce relapse risk from missed oral doses. Practical constraints include movement-disorder monitoring, QTc risk management, and slower "steerability" versus oral dosing.
View labelExactRefer to the Glossary entry on Neurotransmitters for background on receptor systems involved in serious mental illness.
Haloperidol is a potent dopamine D2 receptor antagonist with antipsychotic effects mediated primarily through dopamine blockade.
High D2 occupancy contributes to clinical efficacy but also underlies the higher risk of EPS and prolactin elevation relative to many SGAs.