Drug interactions
Droperidol + Paroxetine
Severity: Major
Droperidol and Paroxetine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 has a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Paroxetine adds a small QT effect and inhibits CYP2D6, so arrhythmia risk may be somewhat increased, particularly with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Droperidol and Paroxetine 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, with possible modest pharmacokinetic contribution from CYP2D6 inhibition.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative antiemetic or sedative is available. If used, obtain an ECG beforehand, correct electrolytes and monitor the rhythm.
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 Paroxetine, 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.
References
- Paroxetine 10 mg Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: drugs which prolong the QTc interval; "The risk of QTc prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias (e.g. TdP) may be increased with concomitant use of other drugs which prolong the QTc interval (e.g.") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Droperidol with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Droperidol and Paroxetine 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 has a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Paroxetine adds a small QT effect and inhibits CYP2D6, so arrhythmia risk may be somewhat increased, particularly with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Droperidol and Paroxetine?
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 where an alternative antiemetic or sedative is available. If used, obtain an ECG beforehand, correct electrolytes and monitor the rhythm.
What other medicines interact with Paroxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paroxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Paroxetine 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.
