Ondansetron pretreatment to alleviate pain on propofol injection: a randomized, controlled, double-blinded study

Abstract

We used a randomized, controlled, double-blinded design to study the effect of ondansetron (OND) pretreatment on the pain produced by the IV injection of propofol. Eighty patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group I received 2 mL of IV 0.9% saline pretreatment, and Group II received OND (4 mg in 2 mg/mL solution) pretreatment in the dorsum of the hand, followed by propofol 1 min later. Pain was reduced significantly in the OND group (P<0.05). Approximately one third of the patients in each group had myoclonic movements or skin rashes in the limb that received propofol. We conclude that the OND pretreatment may be used to reduce the incidence of pain on injection of propofol and to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Implications: In a double-blinded, controlled study, IV ondansetron (4 mg) pretreatment was used to alleviate pain on injection of propofol. Ondansetron was successful in relieving pain without any adverse effect in a significant number of patients.