06/04/2026
New study from Univ of Pittsburgh. How safe is droperidol for prehospital nausea and vomiting?
In this retrospective study of 284 EMS patients treated with droperidol for nausea/vomiting, adverse events occurred in about 15% of patients, most commonly mild sedation/decreased mentation. More serious events such as hypotension and hypoventilation were uncommon.
In adjusted analysis, older patients had similar odds of adverse events compared with other adults.
These findings support droperidol as a reasonable prehospital option for nausea and vomiting when used appropriately, while reinforcing the importance of ongoing monitoring after administration.