Droperidol
- IM / IVDroperidolUsed for acute episodes + nausea / vomiting
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits dopamine D2 receptors, resulting in reduced dopaminergic transmission within the four dopaminergic pathways. Also inhibits serotonin (5-HT), muscarinic and α1-adrenergic receptors.
Pharmacology
- More extrapyramidal side effects than atypical antipsychotics.
Clinical Use
- Indications
- Tranquilization - in the acute psychiatric setting
- Severe nausea / vomiting associated with surgery or anaesthesia
- Status migrainosus
- Adverse Effects
- Anticholinergic - dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, delirium
- Extrapyramidal - dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia
- Hyperprolactinaemia - gynaecomastia, galactorrhoea, infertility, sexual dysfunction
- Drowsiness
- Postural hypotension
- Prolonged QTc
- Dyslipidaemia
- Weight gain