POEM 14.03.17

Patient Oriented Evidence that Matters

Q. Is it ok to give droperidol to this psychotic gentleman?
The Safety and Effectiveness of Droperidol for Sedation of Acute Behavioral Disturbance in the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med. 2015 

1403 patients 10mg droperidol IM,

• IV Mean time to sedation 20mins
• Additional dosing required in 31%
• No increased risk QT prolongation
• Adverse events 5%,
• oversedation 8%

“Of the 8 patients with airway obstruction, 6 required a nasopharyngeal airway or jaw thrust briefly, 1 was repositioned on the side, and 1 was intubated but had taken a tricyclic antidepressant overdose.”

A. Yes

• Droperidol, 10mg, is safe and effective both IM and IV
• Should be restrained within about 20mins
• Basic airway maneuvers may be needed
• No concerns about getting ECGs prior