Galen Pharmacology Exam 1 Practice Test

Haloperidol is classified as which type of antipsychotic?

Atypical antipsychotic Typical antipsychotic Prolactin-sparing antipsychotic Serotonin-dopamine antagonist

Correct Answer:

Typical antipsychotic

Explanation:

Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic because it acts mainly as a strong dopamine D2 receptor antagonist with little to no 5-HT2A receptor antagonism. This classic first-generation profile reduces positive psychotic symptoms but tends to produce extrapyramidal symptoms and hyperprolactinemia due to blocking D2 receptors in motor and tuberoinfundibular pathways. Atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics, by contrast, balance D2 blockade with significant 5-HT2A antagonism, which lowers EPS risk and often reduces prolactin elevation. Since haloperidol lacks notable serotonin receptor effects and has a high risk of motor side effects, it fits the category of typical antipsychotics.

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