Re: How do you treat headaches? Originally Posted by goldRN 
Hello...I'm new here and don't want to make anyone mad, but I have been reading post for the past couple of days and this is the second time I've heard reference to Droperidol. I have given this drug before, and I'm not saying anything negative about anyone else that gives it. However, Droperidol was black boxed almost ten years ago. The reasoning behind the black box as irreversible cardiac arrythmias and death. Here's my question: If a physician orders Droperidol and you give it with negative consequences (death). Are you responsible? You gave the right drug, right dose, right route, right patient, right time, but you gave a black boxed drug. If anyone knows the answer to this question I would be grateful for the education.
I just recently had the privledge of hearing a lovely anesthesiologist give a talk on post-op nausea and vomiting, where droperidol is a Godsend. If you look at the incidences that landed it with a black box warning, they occured in extreme conditions, and the black box warning was highly lobbied for and advocated by the manufacturers of a rival drug trying to gain market share.
I'm not saying it shouldn't be given with caution, but always consider if there were other reasons, i.e., political, why something landed with a black box.
If you were following physician orders, and had clarified the ordered drug and dose, as well as documented that you had clarified the order, then I don't think you could be held liable. But if you are concerned about it, discussing with your hospital risk management department might be hepful.
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