A Member of the University of Maryland Medical System   |   In Partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine

Share

Email PageEmail Print PagePrint

Home > Medical Reference > Drug Notes (English)



Droperidol (Injection)

Introduction:

Droperidol (droe-PER-i-dol)

Treats anxiety, nausea, and vomiting before and after surgical and diagnostic procedures.

Brand Name(s):

Inapsine

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to droperidol.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • You will be given this medicine while you are in a hospital or clinic as part of the procedure you are having.
  • An intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us) or IV injection is given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, hand or sometimes in your chest.
  • An intramuscular (in-tra-MUS-kyoo-lar) or IM injection is a shot given in the muscle of your upper arm, thigh, or buttocks.
  • A nurse or other caregiver trained to give injections will give your treatment.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Tell your doctor if you use alcohol, sleeping pills, cold or allergy medicines, or any other medicines that make you sleepy or drowsy, especially if you have taken this type of medicine in the days or hours before your procedure.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before receiving this medicine.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney or liver disease, or pheochromocytoma.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Fainting, weakness, and slow heartbeat
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Rash, hives, or itching
  • Tremors, shaking, stiffness, or body movements that are hard to control
  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Drowsiness
  • Hallucinations
  • Restlessness, hyperactivity, and anxiety
  • Reviewed last on: 1/4/2010
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com
Adam QualityA.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com
Connect with UMMC
Facebook Twitter YouTube Blog iPhone

Please rate the quality of this article.

Do you find this article to be helpful / informative?
              
Poor                                       Excellent

Do you have any brief comments on this page: (up to 255 characters)

© 2011 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved.
UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System,
22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. TDD: 1-800-735-2258 or 1.866.408.6885