Antiemetic activity of metoclopramide versus alizapride during cancer chemotherapy.

Abstract

A prospective randomized study was conducted to compare the antiemetic efficacy of metoclopramide (MCP) versus its recent derivative alizapride (ALZ) in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Both drugs were given at a dose of 2 mg/kg i.v. push for 5 doses. A positive response was defined as absence of nausea or emesis, or moderate nausea with one or two emeses per day. Eighty-two patients were evaluable. Forty-two received MCP and 40 received ALZ. A positive response was observed in 54% MCP-treated and 41% ALZ-treated patients. Neurologic toxicity, mainly extrapyramidal disturbances, was the most remarkable adverse side effect; it occurred more frequently in the MCP-treated group (31%) than in the ALZ-treated group (17%). Both drugs were found to be more effective in previously untreated patients and when employed together with steroids. MCP was more effective (52% positive response) than ALZ (41% positive response) in cisplatin-treated patients. To better control drug-induced vomiting, we believe that future trials should evaluate slow i.v. infusion of antiemetic agents and their combination with dexamethasone.

• Authors: M Zambetti, E Bajetta, P Bidoli, C Verusio
• Journal: Tumori (Tumori) Vol. 71 Issue 6 Pg. 609-14 (Dec 31 1985) ISSN: 0300-8916 [Print] United States
• PMID: 4082295 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Pyrrolidines
• Metoclopramide
• alizapride

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects)
• Drug Evaluation
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Metoclopramide (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Pyrrolidines (therapeutic use)
• Random Allocation
• Vomiting (chemically induced, drug therapy)