Droperidol

By Medicover Hospitals / 26 March 2021
Home | Medicine | Droperidol

A butyrophenone with properties that are similar to haloperidol. It's used in combination with an opioid analgesic like opioids to keep the patient in a relaxed state of neuroleptanalgesia, where they're unaware of their environment but still willing to comply with the surgeon. It's also used as a premedicant, antiemetic, and for agitation management in people with acute psychoses.

1. Droperidol Uses
2. Droperidol Side effects
3. Precautions
4. Usage
5. Dosage
6. Warnings
7. Droperidol Storage
8. Droperidol vs Ondansetron
9. Frequently Asked Questions

Droperidol Uses

Droperidol is a sedative, tranquilizers and anti-nausea medicine that is used for reducing nausea and vomiting caused due to surgery or other medical procedures.

Droperidol Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of Droperidol are:

• Irregular heart rate
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Feeling restless
• Anxious

Some of the serious side effects of Droperidol are:

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Slow heart rate
• Fainting
• Hallucinations
• Bronchospasm
• Severe nervous system

The common side effects don’t need any medical attention and will disappear as your body gets adjusted to the dosage. But if you are facing any kind of serious or rare side effects then immediately seek medical attention.

Precautions

Before taking Droperidol talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other similar medications. The product will contain some inactive ingredients which will cause serious allergic reactions or other serious problems. Before using the medications talk with your doctor if you have any medical history such as congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, an electrolyte imbalance, liver disease, kidney disease and tumor in the adrenal gland. This medication should be strictly avoided if a person is suffering from long QT syndrome.

How to use Droperidol?

Droperidol should be used exactly as directed by the doctor or follow the prescription. Avoid using large or small amounts of medication for a longer period of time. This is normally administered 30 to 60 minutes before the operation by a healthcare professional injecting it into a muscle or vein. Depending on the condition and reaction, additional doses can be given into a vein. After getting the injection your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels and kidney function will be watched closely.

Adult dosage

The initial recommended dosage is 2.5 mg IM. If the dosage is not effective additional 1.25 mg can be administered to control all the severe effects.

Missed Dose

This medication is given only by a doctor or nurse. If at all you forgot to visit the hospital talk with your doctor and fix the next appointment for getting injected.

Overdose

Overdose of this medication can lead to some serious side effects like irregular heartbeat, trouble while breathing, severe dizziness and fainting.

Warnings for Serious Health Conditions

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:

The medication should be used only in case of emergency. Avoid taking the injection if your doctor has not given the approval. Before taking the injection talk about the risks and benefits of the medication with your doctor.

If the drug passes into your breastmilk then it can cause some serious adverse reactions to your infant. So avoid taking the medication without the doctor’s consultation.

Storage

Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Droperidol vs Ondansetron

Droperidol	Ondansetron
A butyrophenone with properties that are similar to haloperidol. It's used in combination with an opioid analgesic like opioids to keep the patient in a relaxed state of neuroleptanalgesia.	Ondansetron is a drug used to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Droperidol is a sedative, tranquilizers and anti-nausea medicine that is used for reducing nausea and vomiting caused due to surgery or other medical procedures.	This medicine is used for reducing/alleviating nausea and vomiting induced by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy) and radiation therapy.
Some of the common side effects of Droperidol are: Irregular heart rate Drowsiness Dizziness Feeling restless	Some of the common side effects of Ondansetron are: Headache Fatigue or malaise Constipation Inadequate oxygenation Sleeplessness