Drug interactions
Haloperidol + Tetrabenazine
Severity: Major
Haloperidol and Tetrabenazine: 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 can prolong the QT interval, and combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes. They also both cause extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation and parkinsonism, and tetrabenazine can precipitate neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
What this interaction means in plain words
Haloperidol and Tetrabenazine 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.
Haloperidol belongs to Central Nervous System; Tetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation and additive dopamine antagonism or depletion.
What to do
Avoid the combination when possible. If used together, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms.
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 Tetrabenazine
- Dronedarone + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Haloperidol with Tetrabenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Haloperidol and Tetrabenazine 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 can prolong the QT interval, and combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes. They also both cause extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation and parkinsonism, and tetrabenazine can precipitate neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
How serious is the interaction between Haloperidol and Tetrabenazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination when possible. If used together, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms.
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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