Last reviewed · How we verify
Haloperidol + Ketamine
Haloperidol blocks dopamine D2 receptors to reduce psychotic symptoms, while ketamine antagonizes NMDA glutamate receptors to provide rapid-onset anesthesia and analgesia.
Haloperidol blocks dopamine D2 receptors to reduce psychotic symptoms, while ketamine antagonizes NMDA glutamate receptors to provide rapid-onset anesthesia and analgesia. Used for Acute agitation and psychosis requiring rapid sedation, Perioperative anesthesia in patients with psychotic disorders.
At a glance
| Generic name | Haloperidol + Ketamine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland |
| Drug class | Antipsychotic + Dissociative anesthetic combination |
| Target | Dopamine D2 receptor (haloperidol); NMDA glutamate receptor (ketamine) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Anesthesia |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
This is a combination used in anesthesia and acute psychiatric settings. Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic that antagonizes dopamine signaling in the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways, reducing hallucinations and delusions. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic and NMDA receptor antagonist that produces rapid sedation, analgesia, and dissociation, often used to complement antipsychotic therapy in acute agitation or psychotic crises requiring sedation.
Approved indications
- Acute agitation and psychosis requiring rapid sedation
- Perioperative anesthesia in patients with psychotic disorders
Common side effects
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (haloperidol)
- Dissociation and emergence reactions (ketamine)
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Respiratory depression
Key clinical trials
- Effect of Opioid Free Anesthetic on Post-Operative Opioid Consumption After Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery (PHASE3)
- Rapid Agitation Control With Ketamine in the Emergency Department (PHASE2)
- Real-time Decision Support for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) Prophylaxis (NA)
- Baden Prevention and Reduction of Incidence of Postoperative Delirium Trial (PHASE4)
- Reducing Ketamine-Induced Agitation, by Midazolam or Haloperidol Premedication After Adult Procedural Sedation (PHASE4)
- Ketamine Versus Haloperidol for Severe Agitation Outside the Hospital (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |