Details
Presentation:
10mg in 2mL vial
Route:
IM, IV
Onset of action:
3 – 10 minutes
Peak:
Peak sedation is usually achieved within 20 – 30 minutes
Duration:
2 – 4 hours
Mode of action
Dopamine antagonist – antipsychotic medication with sedative effects. Also blocks α-adrenoceptors
- Moderate agitation or behavioural disturbance
- Elderly / frail patients are more susceptible to adverse effects
- Parkinson’s disease. May experience worsening of Parkinson related symptoms
- Lewy body dementia. May experience increase in agitation
- QT prolongation has been reported rarely. Where possible provide ECG monitoring after sedation has been achieved
- CNS: Oversedation, dizziness
- CVS: hypotension, tachycardia, QT prolongation (see above)
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (rare)
Significant interactions
- Sedative medications / alcohol – may cause oversedation
Pregnancy
- Administer only if benefits outweigh risk
- Administer only if benefits outweigh risk. Droperidol is excreted into breast milk and monitoring of the infant is required
Notes
- Patients < 16 years old – consult with RCH prior to sedation
- Consider other agents as per Acute Behavioural Disturbance CPG for Patients with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia
Infusion
- None