Epidural haloperidol enhances epidural morphine analgesia: three case reports

Abstract

Epidural opioids provide significant postoperative analgesia; however, their use is often limited by side effects such as nausea and pruritus, or they require the addition of epidural local anesthetics with possible side effects of motor block and hypotension. Adjuncts to epidural opioid analgesia would benefit pain management. There is evidence that epidural butyrophenones may enhance opioid analgesics and reduce side effects. The authors present the first reported use of epidural haloperidol to enhance epidural morphine analgesia in three individuals. Pharmacodynamic interactions of haloperidol, which may explain its analgesic efficacy, are summarized.