What is the typical dosing range for haloperidol used to manage agitation in the ED?

• A. 2 mg IV or IM
• B. 10 mg IV or IM
• C. 5 mg IV or IM
• D. 15 mg IV or IM

Answer: (C)

Haloperidol is used for rapid tranquilization of agitation in the ED, and the typical starting dose is 5 mg given intramuscularly or intravenously. This amount provides effective calming with a favorable balance between relief of agitation and risk of side effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms and QT prolongation. A smaller dose like 2 mg can be too weak for acute agitation, while higher doses (10 mg or 15 mg) increase the risk of hypotension and serious movement or cardiac effects. If needed, the dose can be repeated per protocol after 10–15 minutes, but the 5 mg starting dose remains the standard choice.