Products
Droperidol is commercially available as a solution for injection (Droperidol Sintetica). It has been approved in many countries since 2006.
Structure and properties
Droperidol (C22H22FN3O2, Mr = 379.4 g/mol) structurally belongs to the butyrphenones and exists as a white powder that is practically insoluble in water. It is a benzimidazolinone derivative.
Effects
Droperidol (ATC N01AX01) is antidopaminergic, antiemetic, antipsychotic, and adrenolytic. The antiemetic effects are due to antagonism at dopamine receptors.
Indications
As a second-line agent for the treatment of nausea and vomiting after surgery in adults (PONV).
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The solution for injection is administered slowly intravenously.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Prolongation of the QT interval
- Congenital QT syndrome
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Droperidol is metabolized by CYP3A4/5 and has a high potential for interaction. Drug-drug interactions have been described with dopamine agonists, alcohol, drugs that prolong the QT interval, CYP3A inhibitors, bradycardic drugs, antimalarials, antihypertensives, and central depressant drugs, among others.
Adverse effects
The most common potential adverse effects include low blood pressure and drowsiness. Droperidol may prolong the QT interval and rarely cause cardiac arrhythmias.
