Stanford tests if droperidol changes how patients like fentanyl during surgery
NCT ID NCT07015528
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase study at Stanford University is testing whether the medication droperidol can change how much patients like the feeling of fentanyl, a common painkiller given during procedures. About 130 adults scheduled for surgery will receive either droperidol or a placebo, and then rate their drug liking and sedation levels. The goal is to better understand how these medications affect patient experience, not to treat any disease.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Droperidol
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help understand how certain medications influence feelings of drug liking in medical settings.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small study focused on measuring subjective feelings, not treating a disease. Results may not lead to any practical changes.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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About 130 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification of I, II or III * Candidates who are expected to receive fentanyl up to 3 mcg/kg IBW for their scheduled for surgery or procedure Exclusion Criteria: * Craniofacial abnormalities * Known or suspected difficult intubation or mask ventilation * Known or suspected need for rapid sequence induction and intubation * Allergies or hypersensitivities to droperidol or fentanyl * Clinically significant pulmonary disease, such as chronic obstructive lung disease requiring long-term oxygen therapy, or other conditions that, in the study team's judgment, may increase the risk of severe respiratory depression with opioid administration * History of long QT syndrome * History of Torsades de Pointes * History of psychosis * History of movement disorders e.g. Parkinson's Disease * Past chronic use of anti-psychotics * Current use of droperidol, levodopa, lithium, clozapine, metoclopramide, benzodiazepines * Current use of opioids * History of opiate abuse within the last 3 years * Known or suspected severe chronic pain condition that require use of opiates or limit daily activities * History of pheochromocytoma * History of concomitant prolactin-dependent tumors e.g. prolactinoma, breast cancer * Pregnancy or nursing * Current use of antiemetic medication (i.e., 5HT or dopamine antagonists) * Active seizure disorder * Active mental health disorders resulting in functional impairment * Current use of psychostimulant medications (Adderall) * Current use of CNS depressants (e.g., barbiturates, benzodiazepines) * Severe renal insufficiency (Stage 4 or 5) * Impaired cognitive function * Regular Cannabis use (2+ times per week) * Current history of substance abuse disorder. * Failure to satisfy the investigator of fitness to participate for any other reason
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Stanford Hospital
Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States
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