Droperidol Injection

What is this medication?

DROPERIDOL (droe PER i dole) prevents nausea and vomiting after surgery or other procedures. It works by blocking substances in your body that may cause nausea and vomiting. It belongs to a group of medications called antiemetics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Inapsine

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Alcohol use
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• High or low levels of electrolytes, such as magnesium or potassium, in your blood
• Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Pheochromocytoma
• Slow heartbeat
• An unusual or allergic reaction to droperidol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a muscle or vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it 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 medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Certain medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole
• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Levoketoconazole
• Pimozide
• Sodium oxybate
• Thioridazine
• Ziprasidone

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam
• Certain antihistamines
• Certain medications for depression, such as trazodone
• Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
• Diuretics
• Laxatives
• MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol
• Medications that help you fall asleep
• Medications that relax muscles
• Opioids for pain or cough
• Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

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 medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

You may need blood work done before or while taking this medication. Your care team may also give you a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart before and during treatment.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• High fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion, which may be signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Uncontrolled and repetitive movements of the face, mouth, or upper body, which may be signs of tardive dyskinesia (TD)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Hallucinations
• Restlessness

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 medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.