Earlier this year American Reagent announced the re-introduction of droperidol back into the US market. This is bringing an old favorite back to many EM docs and a novel tool for new residents and attendings who have never used this before. This article serves as a primer (or refresher) on a drug with an anticipated rapid utilization among ED’s nationwide.

Droperidol is a dopamine antagonist (D2-R antagonist) from the butyrophenone family, a class of medications commonly known for their antipsychotic effects (think haloperidol, benperidol). Originally developed in 1961 by Janssen Pharmaceuticals as an anesthetic adjuvant in the operative setting, it was approved in 1971 by the USFDA for nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and sedation.

Droperidol is often favored due to it’s high potency, rapid onset, and relatively short duration compared to other sedatives. Onset of action is biphasic, with initial effect observed at 3 to 10 minutes following intravenous or intramuscular administration and peak response at approximately 30 minutes.

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