Drug interactions
Droperidol + Lithium
Severity: Major
Droperidol and Lithium: 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 lithium may increase this risk further, especially with electrolyte disturbance or cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Droperidol and Lithium 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 pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use an alternative antiemetic or sedative. If it cannot be avoided, obtain a baseline ECG and monitor continuously after 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?
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References
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Droperidol with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Droperidol and Lithium 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 lithium may increase this risk further, especially with electrolyte disturbance or cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Droperidol and Lithium?
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 alternative antiemetic or sedative. If it cannot be avoided, obtain a baseline ECG and monitor continuously after administration.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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