Drug interactions
Butorphanol + Droperidol
Severity: Major
Butorphanol and Droperidol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Droperidol is a sedating neuroleptic and butorphanol is an opioid, so their CNS depressant and hypotensive effects add together. Droperidol also prolongs the QT interval, which makes monitoring more important in perioperative use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butorphanol and Droperidol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression; droperidol dopamine and alpha-adrenergic blockade adds hypotension and QT risk.
What to do
Use reduced doses and titrate carefully, with continuous monitoring of respiration, blood pressure and ECG. Correct potassium and magnesium abnormalities beforehand.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Butorphanol
- Butorphanol + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Butorphanol Major
- Alprazolam + Butorphanol Major
- Alvimopan + Butorphanol Major
- Amobarbital + Butorphanol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butorphanol with Droperidol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butorphanol and Droperidol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Droperidol is a sedating neuroleptic and butorphanol is an opioid, so their CNS depressant and hypotensive effects add together. Droperidol also prolongs the QT interval, which makes monitoring more important in perioperative use.
How serious is the interaction between Butorphanol and Droperidol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use reduced doses and titrate carefully, with continuous monitoring of respiration, blood pressure and ECG. Correct potassium and magnesium abnormalities beforehand.
What other medicines interact with Butorphanol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Butorphanol with, for example, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Butorphanol page.
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