An acute oral intoxication with haloperidol decanoate

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Clinical Toxicology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Haloperidol decanoate is an antipsychotic ester for intramuscular injection.
• Oral haloperidol decanoate intoxication is not previously documented.
• This report addresses a novel case of intentional oral overdose.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical presentation and management of the first reported case of oral haloperidol decanoate ingestion.
• To evaluate the efficacy of activated charcoal in treating oral haloperidol decanoate overdose.
• To assess the safety profile of oral haloperidol decanoate ingestion.

Main Methods:

• A young woman intentionally ingested 100mg of oral haloperidol decanoate.
• Clinical assessment included neurological and vital sign monitoring.
• Treatment involved activated charcoal and laxative administration.
• Intensive care monitoring included QTc interval and haloperidol plasma levels.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with bilateral hand tremor and mild hypothermia.
• QTc interval and haloperidol plasma levels remained within normal therapeutic ranges.
• No serious adverse events occurred during observation and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Oral activated charcoal administration was sufficient to manage the haloperidol decanoate overdose.
• This case suggests a potentially lower risk of severe toxicity with oral haloperidol decanoate compared to other formulations.
• Further research is warranted to understand the pharmacokinetics and safety of oral haloperidol decanoate.