Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Haldol vs. Chlorpromazine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Haloperidol (Haldol) and chlorpromazine (Thorazine) are both typical antipsychotics, but they have some key differences. Haloperidol is primarily used to treat schizophrenia and is available in oral forms, as well as a long-acting injection given monthly or as a short-acting injection for acute agitation. In contrast, chlorpromazine has a broader range of uses, including treating schizophrenia, nausea, vomiting, pre-surgery anxiety, and severe behavioral issues in children. Chlorpromazine is available in oral, intramuscular, and intravenous forms. Both medications can cause weight gain, movement-related side effects, and drowsiness, but Haloperidol can also prolong the QT interval. Both medications carry a higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

  • Haloperidol injection
    Chlorpromazine
  • Haloperidol injection
    Chlorpromazine

  • Summary of Haldol vs. Chlorpromazine

    Summary for Typical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Haloperidol injection is an antipsychotic medication that's used to treat schizophrenia. It's a long-acting injection that's given into the muscles monthly by a healthcare provider. It's also available as a shorter-acting injection that's typically given in a hospital setting to people who are experiencing agitation related to schizophrenia. The most common side effects of haloperidol injection are movement-related side effects, such as rigid muscles, tremors, and trouble speaking.

    Summary for Typical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat many conditions that affect the brain and nervous system, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ongoing hiccups. It works by blocking certain chemicals in the body, like histamine and dopamine. Your dose depends on why you’re taking it and how severe your symptoms are, but it’s usually taken three or four times a day. Common side effects include drowsiness and movement problems.

  • Indications of Haldol vs. Chlorpromazine

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    Indications for
    •Management of psychotic conditions
    •Schizophrenia
    •Nausea and vomiting
    •Restlessness and anxiety before surgery
    •Acute intermittent porphyria
    •Tetanus
    •Manic episodes of bipolar disorder
    •Hiccups that won't go away
    •Severe behavioral problems in children (ages 1 to 12) with extreme aggression or explosive behavior
    •Short-term treatment for children with hyperactivity, focus problems, or mood swings

  • Pros and Cons of Haldol vs. Chlorpromazine

    Pros and Const for Typical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Typically given monthly
    •Low risk for weight gain, compared to some other antipsychotics
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Needs to be injected
    •Higher risk of movement-related side effects compared to atypical antipsychotics
    •Can't be used in children
    Pros and Const for Typical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Approved to treat several conditions
    •Starts working quickly
    •Available as a tablet, liquid, and injection
    •Dose can be easily adjusted based on your symptoms
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Commonly causes drowsiness
    •Risk of uncontrolled muscle movements
    •Not recommended for use in pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Haldol vs. Chlorpromazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stiff or rigid muscles, tremors, trouble speaking, and other parkinsonism symptoms (31%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Dry mouth
    •Blurred vision
    •Constipation
    •Urination problems

  • Warnings of Haldol vs. Chlorpromazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Pneumonia
    •Low white blood cell counts
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia
    •Uncontrolled muscle movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Changes in blood cell counts
    •High prolactin levels
    •Falls and fractures

  • Prices with our coupons for Haldol vs. Chlorpromazine

    Learn more about Haloperidol injection
    Learn more about Chlorpromazine

Compare other Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia drugs

Clozaril vs HaldolHaldol vs AbilifyHaldol vs AristadaHaldol vs AtivanHaldol vs ChlorpromazineHaldol vs FanaptHaldol vs Fluphenazine DecanoateHaldol vs GeodonHaldol vs InvegaHaldol vs LoxapineHaldol vs NeurontinHaldol vs PerphenazineHaldol vs RexultiHaldol vs RisperdalHaldol vs SaphrisHaldol vs SeroquelHaldol vs ThioridazineHaldol vs ThiothixeneHaldol vs ThorazineHaldol vs TrifluoperazineHaldol vs XanaxHaldol vs ZyprexaFluphenazine Decanoate vs PerphenazineFluphenazine vs Fluphenazine DecanoateGeodon vs FanaptGeodon vs Fluphenazine DecanoateLatuda vs FanaptNeurontin vs Fluphenazine DecanoateSeroquel vs Fluphenazine DecanoateZyprexa vs Fluphenazine Decanoate
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.