Drug interactions
Donepezil + Haloperidol
Severity: Major
Donepezil and Haloperidol: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs are associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and donepezil may also cause bradycardia, which increases arrhythmia risk. Antipsychotics may also oppose the cholinergic effect of donepezil and worsen parkinsonism.
What this interaction means in plain words
Donepezil and Haloperidol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System; Haloperidol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation, with donepezil-induced bradycardia increasing susceptibility, and opposing cholinergic and dopaminergic effects.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc, heart rate and electrolytes. Avoid the combination in patients with prolonged QTc or bradycardia and use the lowest effective haloperidol dose.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Haloperidol
- Dofetilide + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Panobinostat Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Donepezil with Haloperidol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Donepezil and Haloperidol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs are associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and donepezil may also cause bradycardia, which increases arrhythmia risk. Antipsychotics may also oppose the cholinergic effect of donepezil and worsen parkinsonism.
How serious is the interaction between Donepezil and Haloperidol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc, heart rate and electrolytes. Avoid the combination in patients with prolonged QTc or bradycardia and use the lowest effective haloperidol dose.
What other medicines interact with Haloperidol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Haloperidol with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Haloperidol page.
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