Unexpected Adverse Effect of Haloperidol: Acute Tongue Angioedema in a Schizophrenic Patient—Case Report and Review

Abstract

Angioedema of the tongue, also known as angioneurotic, or Quinke edema is a swelling of the tongue due to plasma leaking from capillary and postcapillary venules into deep submucosal tissue. This condition can either be hereditary, or acquired, due to allergy induced reactions for example. With an acute onset, this phenomenon can potentially be life threatening due to sudden and complete upper airway obstruction. Our aim is to describe the case of a 54-year-old schizophrenic male patient who presented with an angioedema of the tongue occurring after oral administration of haloperidol, a first-generation antipsychotic. The patient was admitted for close respiratory monitoring. The established cause for this condition was an allergic reaction to haloperidol. The following course was a favorable outcome with complete resolution of the edema without respiratory distress. We aim to report our case and to delve into other existing similar cases reported thus far in literature.