Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Droperidol
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate 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
Both drugs are sedating, so combined use increases the depth of sedation and may cause hypotension. Droperidol also prolongs the QT interval, and chloral hydrate may add to arrhythmia risk in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate 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 depression plus droperidol-related dopamine blockade and QT prolongation, with possible catecholamine sensitization by chloral hydrate.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before use. Monitor sedation, blood pressure and QT interval, and reduce doses.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Chloral hydrate and Droperidol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Chloral hydrate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Chloral hydrate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Chloral hydrate Major
- Alprazolam + Chloral hydrate Major
- Amobarbital + Chloral hydrate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Chloral hydrate Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloral hydrate with Droperidol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate 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. Both drugs are sedating, so combined use increases the depth of sedation and may cause hypotension. Droperidol also prolongs the QT interval, and chloral hydrate may add to arrhythmia risk in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate 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: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before use. Monitor sedation, blood pressure and QT interval, and reduce doses.
What other medicines interact with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chloral hydrate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Chloral hydrate page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
