Droperidol

Chemical

A butyrophenone dopamine antagonist anti-emetic

Use

  1. Premedication
  2. Neuroleptic analgesia
  3. Anti-emetic
  4. Excessive hiccupping

Presentation

Tablets 10mg

Vial 5mg/mL

Route / Dose

Neuroleptic 5 – 15mg (PO)

Emesis 0.625mg TDS (IV)

MoA

Antagonises D2 receptors & α1 receptors

Anti-emetic

  1. Central D2 antagonism which ↑threshold for vomiting at CTZ
  2. Post-synaptic GABA antagonism

PD

GI – antiemesis

CNS

  • Neuroleptic
  • ↓motor activity
  • Anxiolysis
  • Indifference to external environment

CVS

  • Antagonises α1 receptors ∴in hypovolaemic patients can cause ↓↓BP

PK

A

Complete absorption

D

90% PPB, VD 1.5 – 2.5L/kg

M

Extensive hepatic metabolism by N-dealkylation

E

75% excreted in urine, rest in faeces

1% unchanged

Adverse Effects

  • Extrapyramidal SE
  • Abnormal LFTs
  • Precipitation of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome