Inapsine Side Effects

Generic name: droperidol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 27, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Inapsine Side Effects associated with droperidol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Inapsine.

Applies to droperidol: injection solution.

Important Warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Injection route (Solution)

Cases of QT prolongation and/or torsade de pointes, some fatal, have been reported in patients receiving droperidol at doses at or below recommended doses.

All patients should undergo a 12-lead ECG prior to administration of droperidol to determine if a prolonged QT interval (i.e., QTc greater than 440 msec for males or 450 msec for females) is present.

Do not administer droperidol if there is a prolonged QT interval.

Droperidol is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected QT prolongation, including patients with congenital long QT syndrome.

Administer droperidol with extreme caution to patients who may be at risk for development of prolonged QT syndrome, are over 65 years old, abuse alcohol, or when used concomitantly with benzodiazepines, volatile anesthetics, and IV opiates.

ECG monitoring should be performed prior to treatment and continued for 2 to 3 hours after completing treatment to monitor for arrhythmias.

Serious side effects of Inapsine

Along with its needed effects, droperidol (the active ingredient contained in Inapsine) 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 while taking droperidol:

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

Other side effects of Inapsine

Some side effects of droperidol 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

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to droperidol: compounding powder, injectable solution, intravenous solution.

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Hypotension, irregular cardiac rhythm, mild or moderate tachycardia, QT prolongation, serious arrhythmias (e.g., torsades de pointes), ventricular tachycardia, cardiac arrest, death (some of these side effects occurred in patients with no known risk factors, and some were associated with droperidol (the active ingredient contained in Inapsine) doses at or below recommended doses)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Dysphoria, drowsiness, restlessness, hyperactivity, anxiety, hallucinations, dizziness, extrapyramidal symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, confusion, nervousness, paresthesia, somnolence, tremor, akathisia, oculogyric crisis, unexplained fever, alteration of consciousness, autonomic instability^[Ref]

Unexplained fever, alteration of consciousness, extrapyramidal dysfunction, autonomic instability and elevated creatine kinase are all symptoms associated with neuroleptic agents. If these symptoms develop in patients receiving droperidol therapy, immediate discontinuation of the drug is warranted.

Extrapyramidal symptoms such as acute dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia, and oculogyric crisis have been reported in patients receiving droperidol in doses as low as 0.65 mg. In addition, cases of akathisia have been reported in patients during epidural anesthesia.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: pharyngitis, rhinitis, bronchospasm, laryngospasm (reported as rare)^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis (uncommon)^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported : Injection site pain^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Chills and/or shivering, tongue-swelling, sweating^[Ref]

Further information

Inapsine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer