Small doses of droperidol do not present relevant torsadogenic actions: a double‐blind, ondansetron‐controlled study

摘要

Aim Drugs used for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis are believed to provoke torsadogenic changes in cardiac repolarization. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of small doses of droperidol on the parameters of cardiac repolarization, including the QT_c interval and transmural dispersion of repolarization. Methods A total of 75 patients were randomly allocated to receive 0.625 or 1.25?mg droperidol or 8?mg ondansetron. The QT_c interval was calculated using Bazett's formula and the Framingham correction. The transmural dispersion of repolarization was determined as T_peak–T_end time. Results Transient QT prolongation, corrected with both formulae, followed 1.25?mg of droperidol 10?min after administration. No change in the QT_c value was observed in the other groups. When corrected with Bazett's formula, QT_c was prolonged above 480 ms in two patients receiving 1.25?mg droperidol (at the 10th and 20th minute of the study) and in one receiving ondansetron. No patients developed a QT_cB prolongation over 500 ms. No increase above 480 ms was observed relative to the Framingham correction method. There were no significant differences in the T_peak–T_end time either between or within the groups. Conclusion In men without cardiovascular disorders small doses (1.25?mg) of droperidol prophylaxis induced transient QT_c prolongation without changes in transmural dispersion of repolarization. The apparently low risk of the drug applies only in low risk male patients with a low pro-QT_c score.