What is Droperidol - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: November 13, 2018.

A butyrophenone with anti-emetic, sedative, and anti-anxiety properties.
Although the exact mechanism through which droperidol exerts its effects is unknown, droperidol may block dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), which may lead to its anti-emetic effect. This agent may also bind to postsynaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the central nervous system, which increases the inhibitory effect of GABA and leads to sedative and anti-anxiety activities.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. September 15, 2009.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Last updated date: February 8, 2016.

Adult
IV/IM
Post-op nausea and vomiting. Max initial dose: 2.5 mg; additional doses of 1.25 mg may be given if needed.

Adverse drug reactions: dry mouth, constipation, micturition difficulty, blurred vision, mydriasis, delirium, agitation, catatonic-like states, insomnia, nightmares, depression, miosis, convulsions, nasal congestion.

Adapted from CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.

To cite

Droperidol. IAHPC Pallipedia. https://pallipedia.org/droperidol. Accessed August 17, 2025.