Droperidol
Droperidol Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
DROPERIDOL (droe PER i dole) is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with surgery or other procedures.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
heart disease, including heart failure
if you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
irregular heart beats or slow heart rate
kidney disease
liver disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to droperidol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a muscle or for slow injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
abarelix
alfuzosin
amoxapine
apomorphine
arsenic trioxide
certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, pentamidine, sparfloxacin, telithromycin, troleandomycin
certain medicines for cancer like daunorubicin, doxorubicin
certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
certain medicines for irregular heart beat like dofetilide, dronedarone
chloroquine
cisapride
clozapine
cyclobenzaprine
general and local anesthetics
halofantrine
haloperidol
maprotiline
methadone
octreotide
other medicines for nausea and vomiting like dolasetron and palonosetron
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, mesoridazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, and trifluoperazine
pimozide
ranolazine
risperidone
sertindole
sodium phosphate salts
tacrolimus
tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline, and others
vardenafil
ziprasidone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
barbiturates
certain medicines for depression
diuretics
laxatives
narcotic medicines for pain
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be closely monitored following administration of this medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
fainting spells or dizziness
fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
hallucinations
movement difficulties
muscle spasms or stiffness
restlessness or agitation, nervousness
rolling or rotating movement of the eyes
slow or difficult breathing
sweating
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
chills
facial flushing
involuntary muscle movements
trembling
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert