Efficacy of metoclopramide and dexamethasone for postoperative nausea and vomiting: a double-blind clinical trial

Abstract

Postoperative nausea and vomiting are common complications of anaestnesia. This double-blind clinical trial assessed the incidence of nausea and vomiting after cataract surgery with intravenous anaesthesia in 100 patients randomly assigned to preinduction placebo (saline), metoclopramide (10 mg), dexamethasone (8 mg) or the 2 drugs combined. The incidence of nausea in the recovery room was 44% with placebo, 20% with metoclopramide, 16% with dexamethasone and 8% with the combination. The incidence of vomiting was 20%, 4%, 4% and 0% respectively in the 4 groups. Metoclopramide plus dexamethasone combination significantly decreased nausea and vomiting both in the recovery room and 24 hours afterwards and is recommended for high-risk groups, especially in outpatient surgeries.