Oral granisetron prevents postoperative vomiting in children.
We have studied the efficacy of granisetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonist, administered orally for the prevention of postoperative vomiting after tonsillectomy in children. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 160 paediatric patients, ASA 1, aged 4-10 yr, received placebo or granisetron (20, 40 or 80 micrograms kg-1) (n = 40 each) orally, 1 h before surgery. A standard general anaesthetic technique was used throughout. A complete response, defined as no emesis and no need for another rescue antiemetic during the first 24 h after anaesthesia, occurred in 40%, 48%, 85% and 90% of patients who had received placebo, or granisetron 20, 40 or 80 micrograms kg-1, respectively (P < 0.05; overall Fisher's exact probability test). There were no clinically important adverse events. We conclude that preoperative oral granisetron, in doses more than 40 micrograms kg-1, was effective for the prevention of postoperative vomiting in children.
Fujii
Y
Y
Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Toyooka
H
H
Tanaka
H
H
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D017829:Granisetron / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014068:Tonsillectomy
D000932:Antiemetics; D017829:Granisetron; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists