Droperidol

Droperidol

Droperidol is a butyrophenone type of antipsychotic that is used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting, as well as to induce sedation and reduce anxiety. It is often used in a hospital setting, particularly in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Pharmacology

Droperidol acts as a dopamine antagonist, specifically targeting the D2 and D3 dopamine receptors. It also has anti-serotonergic and anti-adrenergic properties. The drug's antiemetic and sedative effects are thought to result from its blockade of dopamine receptors in the brain.

Medical Uses

Droperidol is used primarily to treat nausea and vomiting associated with surgical procedures and cancer chemotherapy. It is also used to induce sedation and to reduce anxiety in certain patients. In some cases, it may be used as an adjunct to anesthesia.

Side Effects

Common side effects of droperidol include drowsiness, dizziness, and restlessness. More serious side effects can include tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by involuntary movements, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a potentially life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs.

History

Droperidol was first synthesized in the 1960s by Janssen Pharmaceutica, a Belgian pharmaceutical company. It was approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1970.

See Also

• Butyrophenone
• Antipsychotic
• Dopamine antagonist