Effects of droperidol on respiratory drive in humans

The sensitivity of the respiratory center following a single 0.3 mg X kg-1 iv dose of droperidol was determined in eight healthy volunteers by using carbon dioxide (CO2) rebreathing and mouth occlusion pressure measurements (P0.1). There were no significant differences in the mean slopes of the minute ventilation/partial pressure of CO2 (VE/PCO2) and log P0.1/PCO2 relationships between control measurements and those made 30, 60, 90, 150, and 240 min after droperidol administration. However, individual variations in response were present, one subject showing significant (approximately 50%) depression of respiratory drive.