Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Droperidol

Droperidol: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Droperidol?

Droperidol is a medication that treats and controls vomiting and nausea after surgery or other medical procedures. It belongs to a class of drugs called antiemetic drugs. Its mechanism of action is currently unknown. It works at the central nervous system level to block various chemical substances like neurotransmitters and receptors in the nervous system. It also causes depression of the central nervous system, with sedative and tranquilizing effects. It is available as an injection or oral tablet.

What are the uses of Droperidol?

Droperidol is a prescription medication used in many conditions. It is analgesic. That is, it can help relieve pain. The following are a few uses of Droperidol:

  • Reduces the feeling of nausea after a surgery
  • Reduces vomiting
  • Reduces agitation 
  • Helpful in conditions that cause mental disturbances
  • Lowers anxiety
  • Reduces fear
  • Relieves tension
  • Beneficial in treating insomnia and sleep-related problems. 
  • Painkillers in patients with tolerance to opiates or narcotics
  • Multidrug resistant abdominal pain
  • Used as a sedative before a medical procedure

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    What are the side effects of Droperidol?

    The following are some side effects of Droperidol:

    • Slow heart rate and a weak pulse
    • Confusion
    • Hallucination
    • Wheezing
    • Problems with breathing or shortness of breath
    • Slow breathing
    • Dizziness and feeling drowsy
    • High fever
    • Sweating
    • Tremors
    • Controlled movements of eyes, tongue, neck, or jaw
    • Restlessness and uneasiness
    • Allergic reactions – symptoms like rash, itching, redness, trouble breathing, skin irritation, swelling of lips, eyes, tongue, face, and throat

    If you experience any side effects while using Droperidol, stop using the medication and get emergency medical treatment from a nearby medical center.

    What is Droperidol

    Uses of Droperidol

    Side effects of Droperidol

    References

    1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20832967/
    2. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00450
    3. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/droperidol.html
    4. https://www.rxlist.com/inapsine-drug.htm#indications
    5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/droperidol-injection-route/precautions/drg-20063582?p=1

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Droperidol

    Yes, ERs (emergency rooms) and ORs (operation rooms) often use Droperidol for pain relief. It can help patients who have developed a tolerance to opiate painkillers. It is a pain medication in emergency conditions. Droperidol can also treat headaches and abdominal pain. Consult your doctor to check if Droperidol can be helpful for you.

    Yes, Droperidol is a powerful drug that can help treat symptoms of PONV (that is, postoperative nausea and vomiting). It is also helpful in treating the symptoms of nausea in chemotherapy patients. This drug is effective in small doses. Consult your doctor for the best use of this in your case.

    Yes, Droperidol can be injected intramuscularly (IM). That is, it is injected deep inside specific muscles. It can also be in the form of a slow drip delivered intravenously (IV), that is, directly in your veins and bloodstream. Droperidol IM is helpful in calming patients with psychotic disorders who refuse to take oral medication.

    Droperidol can affect blood pressure, even if the patient has no history of blood pressure disorder. It can cause low blood pressure (hypotension) or elevated blood pressure (hypertension). It can also cause heart problems which might affect blood pressure. Doctors will closely monitor a patient's breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure after giving this drug.

    Pregnant women should not use Droperidol. There is no conclusive evidence that this is safe for pregnant women, as there are not enough studies regarding its effects on pregnant women and developing babies. Doctors may prescribe this drug if its benefits outweigh the risks. However, please consult your doctor in your case.

    There is not enough information available on the effects of this drug on breastfeeding babies and women. However, a short-term or single dose is not likely to cause any adverse effects in babies, especially children over the age of two months. Still, only take this medication if your doctor recommends it.

    No. It is not advisable to consume alcohol with this medication. It will exaggerate the effects of alcohol, and the alcohol will interfere with the treatment of this drug, rendering it harmful. Furthermore, it can cause serious side effects like drowsiness and delirium. Check with your doctor in case you experience these effects.

    No. Please avoid driving and do not operate heavy machinery after taking Droperidol. It acts as a sedative and a tranquilizer. The known side effects of this drug are drowsiness, blurred vision, and dizziness. It is essential to wait for at least 12 hours after taking Droperidol for the side effects to wear off.

    Droperidol does not upset the stomach or cause stomach-related problems. You may administer this medicine before or after consuming food. The underlying pathology, age, and other health conditions help determine the dosage for each patient. Check with your physician for the precise instructions to consume the table for your case.

    Droperidol can cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and many other effects. Do not drive or operate any heavy machinery after taking it. Do not mix it with alcohol. Please do not use it with other sedatives. Tell your doctor all the medications you are currently using before taking this drug.