Lorazepam, haloperidol significantly reduce end

Key takeaways:

Lorazepam and haloperidol can significantly decrease agitation related to end-of-life delirium for patients with cancer.

Lorazepam reduced agitation the most, and haloperidol had a lower effect.

Both lorazepam and haloperidol can be used to significantly reduce agitation related to end-of-life delirium for patients with cancer, but the magnitude of their impact differed substantially.

Results of a randomized clinical trial showed scheduled lorazepam reduced agitation the most, but haloperidol could be an option for families who prefer a milder effect.

Data were derived from Hui D, et al. JAMA Oncol. 2025;doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.2212.

David Hui

“Different medications have different levels of sedation,” David Hui, MD, MSc, FAAHPM, director of supportive and palliat