First-generation antipsychotic, butyrophenone. Used as antiemetic.
ATC code: N05AD08 (Droperidol)
Brand names
Inapsine
Blocks D2 receptors in the chemotrigger zone of the medulla – suppresses nausea. Also blocks alpha-1 adrenoceptors (hypotension) and hERG potassium channels (QT prolongation). added a boxed warning in 2001 for torsades de pointes even at low PONV doses.
Second line
Droperidol is second-line antiemetic for postoperative nausea and vomiting when ondansetron and metoclopramide fail. recommends 0.625-1.25 mg IV. Use requires ECG screening due to boxed warning for torsades de pointes.
Sources
4 pairs found. Sorted from critical to minor.
Mechanism
Dual QT prolongation (amiodarone 30-50 ms, droperidol 10-20 ms). boxed warning on droperidol.
Symptoms
QTc above 500 ms, syncope, torsades de pointes risk.
Management
Combination contraindicated. Alternative – low-dose ondansetron or metoclopramide.
Mechanism
Dual QT prolongation, especially with methadone above 80 mg/day.
Symptoms
QTc above 500 ms, syncope, torsades de pointes risk.
Management
Combination contraindicated.
Mechanism
Dual QT prolongation.
Symptoms
QTc above 500 ms, syncope, torsades de pointes risk.
Management
Combination contraindicated.
Mechanism
Additive QT prolongation (ondansetron 10-15 ms + droperidol 10-20 ms).
Symptoms
QTc above 500 ms, syncope, torsades de pointes risk.
Management
Choose one antiemetic or use ECG monitoring.
Opens the checker prefilled with this drug. Pick the second one from your regimen.
Limited data. Not used in caesarean section (hypotension risk).
Interrupt breastfeeding for 24 hours after single dose.
Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.
Droperidol is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (evidence tier B). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of Droperidol (≥ 1 in 100): Hypotension, Sedation, Extrapyramidal symptoms, QT prolongation. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
FDA category C. Limited data. Not used in caesarean section (hypotension risk).
Interrupt breastfeeding for 24 hours after single dose.
Droperidol is contraindicated in: QTc above 440 ms (men) or 450 ms (women); Combination with other QT-prolongers (amiodarone, sotalol, high-dose ondansetron); Hypokalaemia or hypomagnesaemia; Bradycardia below 55. Full list in the Safety section.