Drug interactions
Droperidol + Isoflurane
Severity: Major
Droperidol and Isoflurane: 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 carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and isoflurane can further lengthen the QT interval. The combination is common in perioperative practice but increases arrhythmic risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Droperidol and Isoflurane 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 interval prolongation.
What to do
Use another antiemetic such as ondansetron if the patient has other QT risk factors, otherwise obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolytes. Monitor the ECG for at least several hours after droperidol administration.
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 Droperidol and Isoflurane, 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.
Other interactions of Isoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Droperidol with Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Droperidol and Isoflurane 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, and isoflurane can further lengthen the QT interval. The combination is common in perioperative practice but increases arrhythmic risk.
How serious is the interaction between Droperidol and Isoflurane?
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 another antiemetic such as ondansetron if the patient has other QT risk factors, otherwise obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolytes. Monitor the ECG for at least several hours after droperidol administration.
What other medicines interact with Isoflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Isoflurane with, for example, Adrenaline-articaine, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Isoflurane 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.
