What is the initial oral dose range of butyrophenones?

Butyrophenones, which include drugs such as haloperidol, are primarily used as antipsychotics. The initial oral dosing typically falls within the range of 0.5 to 2 mg, which is designed to provide an effective starting point while minimizing side effects for patients who may be sensitive to medications or experiencing acute symptoms.

Starting at this dose allows clinicians to assess the patient's response to the medication and make adjustments if necessary. The range is balanced—it is neither too low to be ineffective nor too high to cause significant adverse effects early in treatment. For example, doses lower than this range may not sufficiently address the symptoms, while higher doses could increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and other side effects that are notable within this class of medication.

In clinical practice, proper dosing is critical for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and ensuring patient safety, which is why this specific range is established for initial treatment with butyrophenones.