Health Library

Droperidol (By injection)

Droperidol (droe-PER-i-dol)

Prevents nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery or diagnostic procedures.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein or as a shot into a muscle.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • An MAO inhibitor
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine for heart rhythm problems
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Medicine for depression or mental illness
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, a slow heartbeat, pheochromocytoma, or low magnesium or potassium levels in the blood.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
  • Low blood pressure
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), very rarely
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will check your progress after you receive this medicine to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Feeling drowsy, restless, anxious, or hyperactive

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024