Droperidol
Droperidol is an antipsychotic medication belonging to the butyrophenone class, primarily used for the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. It acts as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and is also employed for sedation and management of acute agitation in hospital settings.
Droperidol is an antipsychotic/antiemetic medication used to prevent nausea, vomiting, and agitation.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AD08
- RxNorm
- 3648
- Generic
- Droperidol
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use during first trimester unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid close to delivery due to potential neonatal effects
monitor newborn for extrapyramidal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue breastfeeding
droperidol passes into breast milk, consider alternative or suspend breastfeeding
monitor infant for sedation and feeding issues
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce initial dose by 50%
use lowest effective dose, increased sensitivity to adverse effects
monitor for sedation, hypotension, and extrapyramidal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 2not recommended
safety and efficacy not established in children under 2 years
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 2 12weight-based dosing required
use with caution, reserve for severe cases where benefits outweigh risks
closely monitor for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed for mild impairment
use standard dosing with monitoring
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution, monitor for accumulation
monitor drug levels and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderatereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution due to hepatic metabolism
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks
close monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Classification as typical antipsychotic and antiemetic
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Droperidol
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic mechanism
Prevention and treatment of postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting; sedation and neuroleptanalgesia during surgical procedures; management of acute agitation and behavioral emergencies.
Droperidol blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and cerebrum, producing antiemetic, antipsychotic, and sedative effects.
May cause QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias; use with caution in patients with electrolyte imbalances or cardiac disease; avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to butyrophenones; use during pregnancy only if benefits justify risks.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy