Haloperidol was the first discovered typical antipsychotic, developed in 1958 and approved by the FDA in 1967 under the brand name Haldol. It works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain. While effective for treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, agitation, and other conditions, it carries risks of extrapyramidal side effects and increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia. Dosing requires consideration of age, weight, renal or hepatic function, and risk/benefit at higher doses above 30 mg per day.