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Droperidol

Droperidol Side Effects

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCPKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Reviewed by Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP, Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 10, 2023

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Low blood pressure
  • Fast heart rate
  • Sleepiness after the procedure
  • Feeling unease
  • Restlessness
  • Anxiety

Less Common Side Effects

  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real)
  • Dizziness
  • Allergic reactions
  • Chills
  • Shivering
  • Uncontrollable, repetitive movements

Droperidol serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Abnormal heart rhythm: chest pounding, short of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, fast or irregular heartbeat

Source: DailyMed

The following Droperidol side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision

confusion

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

sweating

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Chills

cough

difficulty with breathing

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

noisy breathing

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

skin rash, hives, or itching

tightness in the chest

Incidence not known

Chest pain or discomfort

fainting

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

irregular or slow heart rate

low blood pressure or pulse

severe confusion or loss of consciousness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Anxiety

drowsiness

restlessness

trouble sitting still

Incidence not known

Difficulty with speaking

drooling

loss of balance control

muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

shuffling walk

stiffness of the limbs

twisting movements of the body

uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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