Drug interactions
Droperidol + Epinephrine
Severity: Major
Droperidol and Epinephrine: major interaction.
Last updated
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 prolongs the QT interval and carries a boxed warning for torsades de pointes. Epinephrine adds arrhythmogenic stimulation, raising the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Droperidol and Epinephrine 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 QT prolongation and proarrhythmic effects, with droperidol alpha-blockade also altering the hemodynamic response to epinephrine.
What to do
Avoid combining outside emergencies, use ECG monitoring, and correct potassium and magnesium. In anaphylaxis, give epinephrine as needed.
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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Other interactions of Epinephrine
- Epinephrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Epinephrine Major
- Amitriptyline + Epinephrine Major
- Amoxapine + Epinephrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Droperidol with Epinephrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Droperidol and Epinephrine 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 prolongs the QT interval and carries a boxed warning for torsades de pointes. Epinephrine adds arrhythmogenic stimulation, raising the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Droperidol and Epinephrine?
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 combining outside emergencies, use ECG monitoring, and correct potassium and magnesium. In anaphylaxis, give epinephrine as needed.
What other medicines interact with Epinephrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Epinephrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Epinephrine page.
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