Comparison of Efficacy and Side Effects between Aripiprazole and Haloperidol in the Treatment of Delirium

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and the safety of aripiprazole and haloperidol in the treatment of patients with delirium. METHODS: 26 patients with delirium were randomized to receive either aripiprazole or haloperidol and finally 20 patients were analyzed. We collected demographic and clinical data. The Korean Version of Delirium Rating Scale-revised-98 (K-DRS-98) and Korean Version of Drug Induced Extrapyramidal Symptom Scale (DIEPSS-K) were assessed. Blood samples were collected to analyze serum sodium ion concentration, plasma cortisol and prolactin level and pulse oximetry was used for measuring oxygen saturation. RESULTS: K-DRS-98 severity scores decreased in both groups significantly over the study period, but no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups. No significant extrapyramidal syndromes were noted in both groups, but the use of haloperidol was associated with increased plasma prolactin level (From 24.0+/-28.1 ng/mL to 32.0+/-20.0 ng/mL, p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Aripiprazole is as effective as haloperidol in the treatment of delirium and aripiprazole may be safer than haloperidol in that haloperidol is associated with increased plasma prolactin level.