Drug interactions
Droperidol + Terbutaline
Severity: Major
Droperidol and Terbutaline: 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
Terbutaline can cause hypokalemia and tachyarrhythmias, while droperidol prolongs the QT interval and carries a risk of torsades de pointes. Together the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia may rise, particularly when potassium is low.
What this interaction means in plain words
Droperidol and Terbutaline 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 proarrhythmic effects: droperidol blocks cardiac repolarizing potassium channels and beta-2 agonist-induced hypokalemia worsens QT vulnerability.
What to do
Correct potassium and magnesium before use and monitor the ECG. Avoid the combination in patients with baseline QT prolongation or other 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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Other interactions of Terbutaline
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Droperidol with Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Droperidol and Terbutaline 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. Terbutaline can cause hypokalemia and tachyarrhythmias, while droperidol prolongs the QT interval and carries a risk of torsades de pointes. Together the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia may rise, particularly when potassium is low.
How serious is the interaction between Droperidol and Terbutaline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Correct potassium and magnesium before use and monitor the ECG. Avoid the combination in patients with baseline QT prolongation or other risk factors.
What other medicines interact with Terbutaline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Terbutaline with, for example, Carvedilol, Fexinidazole, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Terbutaline page.
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