Droperidol

Question 1

What is droperidol?

Answer 1

Droperidol (10 mg / 2mL) is an antipsychotic drug that produces sedation

Hepatic metabolism

Question 2

What is the onset, duration & half-life for droperidol?

Answer 2

Onset = 5-15 min
Duration = 4-6 hours
Half life = NA

Question 3

Indications for droperidol?

Answer 3

1. Acute behavioural disturbance (ABD) with a SAT score of 2 or more

Question 4

Contraindications for droperidol?

Answer 4

Absolute:

1. Allergy / ADR
2. Parkinson’s disease
3. Known lewy body dementia
4. Previous dystonic reaction to droperidol
5. Patients under 8 yrs

Relative (require QAS consultation):
1. Suspected sepsis

Question 5

Precautions for droperidol?

Answer 5

1. Hypoperfused state

2. Concurrent use of CNS depressants

Question 6

Side effects of droperidol?

Answer 6

1. Vasodilation/hypotension

2. Extrapyramidal effects e.g. dystonic reactions (rare)

Question 7

What is a dystonic reaction?

Answer 7

Dystonic reactions (ie, dyskinesias) are characterised by intermittent spasmodic or sustained involuntary contractions of muscles in the face, neck, trunk, pelvis, extremities, and even the larynx

Question 8

What are the doses of droperidol for an adult and paediatric?

Answer 8

13 to 15 years (QAS clinical consult required) 
0.1-0.2 mg/kg IM 
Single max dose 10 mg 
Repeated once at 15 min 
Total max dose 20 mg 

16 to 65 years
10 mg IM
Repeated once at 15 min
Total max dose 20 mg

> 65 years (QAS clinical consult required)
5mg IM
Repeated once at 15 min
Total max dose 10mg