Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (as monotherapy or in combination with another antiemetic in a different pharmacologic class).
Treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients who have received antiemetic prophylaxis with an agent of a different pharmacologic class or have not received prophylaxis.
Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailability.
Distribution: Extensively distributed to tissues.
Metabolism and Excretion: Undergoes minimal metabolism. Primarily excreted in urine (74%; 58% as unchanged drug), with 23% excreted in feces (20% as unchanged drug).
Droperidol and other QT interval prolonging medications may ↑ risk of QT interval prolongation and torsades de pointes; avoid concurrent use with droperidol.
Dopamine agonists, including levodopa, may ↓ effectiveness; avoid concurrent use.
Assess for nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, and bowel sounds before and after administration.
Monitor ECG in patients with pre-existing arrhythmias/cardiac conduction disorders, electrolyte abnormalities, or HF and patients taking other drugs or medical conditions that prolong the QT interval before and after administration.
IV Push: Do not dilute. Flush line before and after injection with sterile water for injection, D5W, 0.9% NaCl, or LR. Solution is clear and colorless; do not administer if discolored or contains particulates. Protect from light; administer within 12 hr of removal from carton.
Instruct patient to notify health care provider immediately if they perceive a change in HR, or feel light-headed or faint.
Advise patient to notify health care provider of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care provider before taking other medications.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding. Advise breastfeeding patient to consider pumping and discarding breast milk for 48 hr after administration to minimize exposure to infant. May cause reversible ↑ in milk production. May cause reversible infertility in women.