What are butyrophenones classified as in relation to antipsychotics?

Butyrophenones are classified as typical antipsychotics due to their pharmacological properties and mechanism of action. They primarily work by antagonizing dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, which is a hallmark of typical antipsychotics. These compounds, which include haloperidol, are known for their effectiveness in treating acute psychosis and agitation.

While they can be considered potent and have a long-acting effect, the most accurate classification is as typical antipsychotics. They differ from phenothiazines, another class of typical antipsychotics, but still share the common characteristic of addressing dopaminergic activity in the treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders.

The classification as first-generation antipsychotics also includes butyrophenones, but the emphasis on their unique status compared to other antipsychotics is more appropriately noted in their belonging to the typical category. The term "long-acting non-phenothiazines" may imply distinctions that are not as widely recognized in standard classifications of antipsychotic medications.