Disopyramide and Droperidol: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Droperidol
No brand names on recordDisopyramide
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
An increased risk of QT interval prolongation
Interaction Deep Dive
Use caution when droPERidol is coadministered with other drugs that prolong QT interval due to a potential for increased risk of QT interval prolongation. DroPERidol is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected QT prolongation, including patients with congenital long QT syndrome7. DroPERidol has been shown to prolong the QTc interval at the recommended therapeutic dose. Even though no formal drug interaction studies have been done, the coadministration of droPERidol and other drugs known to prolong the QTc interval is not recommended 1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Additive QT interval prolongation
Literature reports
4 reports — tap to read
a) DroPERidol has been shown to prolong the QTc interval at the recommended therapeutic dose. Even though no formal drug interaction studies have been done, the coadministration of droPERidol and other drugs known to prolong the QTc interval, including tricyclic antidepressants is not recommended 8.
b) Concurrent use of class III antiarrhythmic agents, and other drugs that can prolong the QT interval, such as droPERidol, is not recommended. Dofetilide should be stopped for at least 2 days before any interacting drug is initiated. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, cautious dosing and telemetric monitoring is advised 9.
c) Several antipsychotic agents have demonstrated QT prolongation including haloperidol 2, risperiDONE 3, sertindole 4, sultopride 5, and zotepine 6.
d) DroPERidol has been shown to prolong the QTc interval at the recommended therapeutic dose 1.
Common questions
Can I take Disopyramide and Droperidol together?
An increased risk of QT interval prolongation Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Disopyramide and Droperidol interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Disopyramide or Droperidol need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (9)
- Owens R: Risk assessment for antimicrobial agent-induced QTc prolongation and torsades de pointes. Pharmacother 2001; 21(3):310-319.
- O'Brien JM, Rockwood RP, & Suh KI: Haloperidol-induced torsade de pointes. Ann Pharmacother 1999; 33(10):1046-1050. DOI
- Duenas-Laita A, Castro-Villamor MA, Martin-Escudero JC, et al: New clinical manifestations of acute risperidone poisoning (letter). Clin Toxicol 1999; 37(7):893-894. PubMed
- Agelink MW, Zeit T, Baumann B, et al: In vivo cardiovascular effects of the new atypical neuroleptic sertindole. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2001; 5:33-40. DOI
- Lande G, Drouin E, Gauthier C, et al: Arrhythmogenic effects of sultopride chlorhydrate: clinical and cellular electrophysiological correlation. Ann Fr Anesth Reanim 1992; 11:629-635.
- Sweetman S (Ed): Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. London: Pharmaceutical Press. Electronic version, MICROMEDEX, Greenwood Village, Colorado, Edition expires 06/2003.
- Product Information: Droperidol intravenous, intramuscular injection, droperidol intravenous, intramuscular injection. American Regent Inc. (per DailyMed), Shirley, NY, 2023. DailyMed
- Marshall JB & Forker AD: Cardiovascular effects of tricyclic antidepressant drugs: therapeutic usage, overdose, and management of complications. Am Heart J 1982; 103:401-414. PubMed
- Yamreudeewong W, DeBisschop M, Martin LG, et al: Potentially significant drug interactions of class III antiarrhythmic drugs. Drug Safety 2003; 26(6):421-438. DOI
Keep reading about Droperidol
Keep reading about Disopyramide
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