Drug interactions
Droperidol + Quetiapine
Severity: Major
Droperidol and Quetiapine: 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 carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and quetiapine adds to this risk. Both are dopamine antagonists, so additive sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms and neuroleptic malignant syndrome can also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Droperidol and Quetiapine 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 through hERG channel blockade and additive dopamine D2 antagonism and sedation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and use a different antiemetic or sedative. If unavoidable, perform ECG monitoring, correct potassium and magnesium, and observe for extrapyramidal symptoms.
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
- Biquelle XL 150mg prolonged-release tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: medicinal products known to cause electrolyte imbalance or to increase QT interval; "Caution should be exercised when quetiapine is used concomitantly with medicinal products known to cause electrolyte imbalance o… — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Quetiapine
- Adagrasib + Quetiapine Major
- Amiodarone + Quetiapine Major
- Amisulpride + Quetiapine Major
- Amoxapine + Quetiapine Major
- Anagrelide + Quetiapine Major
- Apalutamide + Quetiapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Droperidol with Quetiapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Droperidol and Quetiapine 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 quetiapine adds to this risk. Both are dopamine antagonists, so additive sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms and neuroleptic malignant syndrome can also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Droperidol and Quetiapine?
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 possible and use a different antiemetic or sedative. If unavoidable, perform ECG monitoring, correct potassium and magnesium, and observe for extrapyramidal symptoms.
What other medicines interact with Quetiapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quetiapine with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Quetiapine page.
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