Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 6, 2022.
Cases of QT prolongation and/or torsade de pointes, some fatal, have been reported in patients receiving droperidol at doses at or below recommended doses. All patients should undergo a 12-lead ECG prior to administration of droperidol to determine if a prolonged QT interval (i.e., QTc greater than 440 msec for males or 450 msec for females) is present. Do not administer droperidol if there is a prolonged QT interval. Droperidol is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected QT prolongation, including patients with congenital long QT syndrome. Administer droperidol with extreme caution to patients who may be at risk for development of prolonged QT syndrome, are over 65 years old, abuse alcohol, or when used concomitantly with benzodiazepines, volatile anesthetics, and IV opiates. ECG monitoring should be performed prior to treatment and continued for 2 to 3 hours after completing treatment to monitor for arrhythmias .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Inapsine
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antiemetic
Pharmacologic Class: Dopamine Antagonist
Chemical Class: Butyrophenone
Uses for droperidol
Droperidol injection is used to prevent the nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery or diagnostic procedures.
Droperidol is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using droperidol
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For droperidol, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to droperidol or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of droperidol injection in children younger than 2 years..
