Dopamine antagonists for nausea and vomiting: special considerations

The dopamine antagonists, particularly droperidol, are effective at treating N&V. Because dopamine plays many roles in the body, especially in the brain, a degree of alteration in mental status should be expected, especially with higher doses. Other less frequent side effects include QT prolongation. When given for non– chemotherapy-induced N&V treatment QT prolongation is rare. Higher doses warrant clinical awareness and ability to identify and treat prolonged QT and its sequelae. Invited authors for a following column will discuss QT prolongation and implications.