Drug interactions
Droperidol + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Droperidol and Meperidine: 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 is a sedating neuroleptic and the combination with meperidine increases sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression. Droperidol also prolongs the QT interval, which is a separate safety concern in these patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Droperidol and Meperidine 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 and hypotension through opioid and dopamine/alpha-adrenergic blockade effects.
What to do
Use reduced doses of both drugs and monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes in patients with QT risk factors.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Droperidol with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Droperidol and Meperidine 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 is a sedating neuroleptic and the combination with meperidine increases sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression. Droperidol also prolongs the QT interval, which is a separate safety concern in these patients.
How serious is the interaction between Droperidol and Meperidine?
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 reduced doses of both drugs and monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes in patients with QT risk factors.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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