Antiemetic activity of two different high doses and schedules of metoclopramide in dacarbazine-treated cancer patients.
The antiemetic activity of two different high doses and schedules of metoclopramide in dacarbazine-treated cancer patients was compared in a double-blind crossover study. Regimen A consisted of metoclopramide [2 mg/kg x 4 intravenously (i.v.)] plus methylprednisolone (250 mg x 2 i.v.) plus diphenhydramine (50 mg x 2 i.v.). Regimen B consisted of metoclopramide (3 mg/kg x 2 i.v.) plus dexamethasone (20 mg i.v.) and diphenhydramine (50 mg i.v.). Both treatments were administered for the first 2 days of 5-day dacarbazine chemotherapy. Thirty-two patients (13 men and 19 women) affected by melanoma and sarcoma were entered in the study. Complete protection against nausea and vomiting for the first 2 days of chemotherapy in both antiemetic regimens was not significantly different. Patient preference and tolerance of the two antiemetic treatments were similar. Regimen B, employing a lower dosage of metoclopramide and steroids and using a more simple schedule of administration should be the preferred treatment.
Roila
F
F
Medical Oncology Division, Policlinico Hospital, Perugia, Italy.
Bracarda
S
S
Basurto
C
C
Sassi
M
M
Lupattelli
M
M
Picciafuoco
M
M
Boschetti
E
E
Del Favero
A
A
Tonato
M
M
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003606:Dacarbazine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004155:Diphenhydramine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008787:Metoclopramide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*
D003606:Dacarbazine; D003907:Dexamethasone; D004155:Diphenhydramine; D008787:Metoclopramide; D008775:Methylprednisolone