Drug interactions
Clozapine + Droperidol
Severity: Major
Clozapine 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 carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Adding clozapine, which also has QT liability, further increases the arrhythmia risk. Additive sedation and hypotension are also likely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clozapine 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 prolongation of cardiac repolarisation through potassium channel blockade, with additive sedation.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use an antiemetic or sedative with less QT effect. If it is unavoidable, get a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes, and monitor the ECG during and after the dose.
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 Clozapine
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Clozapine Major
- Adagrasib + Clozapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clozapine with Droperidol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clozapine 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 carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Adding clozapine, which also has QT liability, further increases the arrhythmia risk. Additive sedation and hypotension are also likely.
How serious is the interaction between Clozapine 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: Avoid the combination and use an antiemetic or sedative with less QT effect. If it is unavoidable, get a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes, and monitor the ECG during and after the dose.
What other medicines interact with Clozapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clozapine with, for example, Deferiprone, Irinotecan, Pimozide. The full list is on the Clozapine page.
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