droperidol injection, Inapsine

BRAND NAME(S): Inapsine

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Infrequent, but sometimes fatal heart problems (arrhythmias such as torsades) have occurred with droperidol use at or even below recommended doses. Droperidol use should be restricted to those in whom other drugs have failed to work well, or caused serious side effects. It should not be used in people with known or suspected heart problems (QTc prolongation). It should be used with caution in people at risk for QTc prolongation, such as those with heart failure, slow heart rate (bradycardia), heart enlargement (hypertrophy), low potassium or magnesium, alcoholics, or the elderly. Report to the doctor immediately symptoms such as severe dizziness, fainting, or irregular/rapid heartbeat. EKG testing should be performed before, during and for 2-3 hours after treatment with this drug. See also Drug Interactions.

USES: This medication is a tranquilizer. It is used in medical and diagnostic procedures to reduce nausea and vomiting.

HOW TO USE: This is given by injection into a muscle or a vein by a health care professional usually 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure. Additional doses may be given into a vein as needed based on your condition and response.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication causes post-operative drowsiness, dizziness and a floating feeling. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: anxiety, restlessness, headache, muscle stiffness. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this, tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease (e.g., prolonged QTc interval), allergies. Use caution driving or performing tasks requiring alertness since this medication can cause dizziness and drowsiness. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. This medication should be used with caution in elderly persons as they are more sensitive to its effects.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you may take, particularly: narcotic pain relievers, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide). Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, sparfloxacin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Droperidol may reverse the effects of epinephrine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual drowsiness or restlessness; twitching of the face or tongue; uncontrolled movement of arms and legs; difficulty speaking and swallowing; unusual dizziness; fainting; rapid heart rate; and hallucinations.

NOTES: Your condition and response to this medication will be closely monitored (e.g., EKG testing).

MISSED DOSE: This medication is only given as needed by a health care professional.

STORAGE: Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light as directed. Do not store in the bathroom.

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