title: Single-dose i.v. dexamethasone--an effective anti-emetic in cancer chemotherapy.
abstract: We conducted a randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study to assess the efficacy of a single i.v. dose of 20 mg dexamethasone as an anti-emetic in 31 patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. Patients receiving dexamethasone experienced significantly less nausea and vomiting (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.01, respectively), and appetite and activity were normal in a majority of the treated group. Side effects were insignificant. We conclude that single-dose dexamethasone given i.v. at a dose of 20 mg is a safe and effective anti-emetic for patients receiving cancer chemotherapy excluding cisplatin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Haematology and Oncology, District Hospital, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales, U.K.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Parry
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000932:Antiemetics; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000932:Antiemetics; D003907:Dexamethasone