Home Droperidol

Droperidol

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
Breastfeeding
  • 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

Quiz