Haloperidol versus haloperidol plus ondansetron for the prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting after ophthalmologic surgery.
BACKGROUND
In this prospective, randomized, and double-blinded study we investigated the efficacy of haloperidol (10 microg/kg) and the combination of haloperidol (10 microg/kg) with ondansetron (0.1 mg/kg) for the prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after ophthalmologic surgery.


METHODS
60 patients (ASA status 1-3) with risk factors for PONV (female, non-smoker, motion sickness or PONV in history, opioids for postoperative analgesia) undergoing retinal or strabismus surgery were included into the study and randomised to the haloperidol group (H-Group) or the haloperidol-ondansetron group (H/O-Group). 20 min before the end of anaesthesia the study medication was given. Nausea, vomiting, pain scores, and adverse events were assessed postoperatively over 24 h.


RESULTS
The incidence of PONV was lower for the H/O-Group (23 vs. 57% for the H-Group). Especially the incidence of vomiting was reduced for the H/O-Group (7 vs. 27% in the H-Group). No significant differences could be detected regarding adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
The single use of haloperidol for the prophylaxis of PONV is doubtful. Better results were obtained with the combination therapy of haloperidol with ondansetron, especially for vomiting.
Dagtekin
Oguzhan
O
Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Wiese
Philip
P
Wolter
Karsten
K
Hermann
Manuel M
MM
Pietruck
Christian
C
Kampe
Sandra
S
D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017294:Ondansetron / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D017294:Ondansetron; D006220:Haloperidol