Droperidol injection is used to prevent the nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery or diagnostic procedures.
Droperidol Injection is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery or diagnostic procedures. It is administered either intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) and should be given only under the direct supervision of a doctor1. Here are some important details about Droperidol:
Description: Droperidol Injection, USP, is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, aqueous solution. Each milliliter contains 2.5 mg of droperidol and is adjusted to a pH between 3.0 and 3.8 with lactic acid and, if necessary, with sodium hydroxide2.
Indications: Droperidol is indicated for several purposes:
To produce tranquillization and reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting in surgical and diagnostic procedures.
As premedication, induction, and an adjunct in the maintenance of general and regional anesthesia.
In neuroleptanalgesia (concurrent use with a narcotic analgesic) to aid in producing tranquility and decreasing anxiety and pain3.
Warnings and Precautions:
Cases of QT prolongation and serious arrhythmias (such as torsade de pointes) have been reported in patients treated with droperidol. Therefore, all patients should undergo a 12-lead ECG prior to administration to check for prolonged QT intervals. Droperidol is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected QT prolongation.
Extreme caution should be exercised when administering droperidol to patients at risk for prolonged QT syndrome (e.g., congestive heart failure, bradycardia, use of diuretics, cardiac hypertrophy, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, or other drugs known to increase the QT interval).
Other risk factors include age over 65 years, alcohol abuse, and use of certain agents (e.g., benzodiazepines, volatile anesthetics, IV opiates)2.
Dosage: Droperidol should be initiated at a low dose and adjusted upward as needed to achieve the desired effect2.
Remember to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Droperidol in your specific situation. 😊