Torsade de Pointes after administration of droperidol for nausea and vomiting.
We report an emergency medical services (EMS) case of self-limited torsade de pointes after administration of droperidol for nausea and vomiting in a patient with potential predisposing factors for the development of prolonged QT interval. Despite the reported association with torsade de pointes, many clinicians still consider droperidol to be a safe medication. Rare cardiac side effects may be avoided by reviewing risk factors for prolonged QT interval in individual patients prior to administering droperidol.
Choo
Esther K
EK
Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, USA.
Weber
Frank S
FS
Schmidt
Terri A
TA
D000932:Antiemetics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004329:Droperidol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016171:Torsades de Pointes / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000932:Antiemetics; D004329:Droperidol