Indications: To reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting associated with surgical and diagnostic procedures.

Cautions: in the presence of risk factors for development of prolonged QT syndrome, such as bradycardia, cardiac disease, Class I and Class III antiarrhythmics, treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s), electrolyte imbalance, in particular hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia.

Contra-indications: Droperidol is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected QT prolongation.

Side Effects: QT interval prolongation, torsade de pointes, cardiac arrest, and ventricular tachycardia; mild to moderate hypotension and tachycardia; include dysphoria, postoperative drowsiness, restlessness, hyperactivity and anxiety.

Drug Interactions: Potentially Arrhythmogenic Agents such as class I or III antiarrhythmics, antihistamines that prolong the QT interval, antimalarials, calcium channel blockers, neuroleptics that prolong the QT interval, and antidepressants.

Cautions: should be used when patients are taking concomitant drugs known to induce hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia as they may precipitate QT prolongation and interact with Droperidol. These would include diuretics, laxatives and supraphysiological use of steroid hormones with mineralocorticoid potential.

CNS Depressant Drugs: Other CNS depressant drugs (e.g. barbiturates, tranquilizers, opioids and general anesthetics) have additive or potentiating effects with Droperidol. Following the administration of Droperidol, the dose of other CNS depressant drugs should be reduced.

Dose: Dosage should be individualized;

Adult: The max. recommended initial dose of Droperidol is 2.5 mg IM or slow IV Additional 1.25 mg doses of Droperidol may be administered to achieve the desired effect. However, additional doses should be administered with caution, and only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Child: For children two to 12 years of age, the max. recommended initial dose is 0.1 mg/kg, taking into account the patient’s age and other clinical factors. However, additional doses should be administered with caution, and only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.