This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study evaluated the
antiemetic efficacy of
ondansetron and
metoclopramide in 90 ASA physical status I or II children, 2-17 yr of age, undergoing
strabismus repair. After
anesthetic induction and prior to eye muscle manipulation, subjects received
normal saline 0.3 mL/kg (Group 1),
metoclopramide 0.25 mg/kg (Group 2), or
ondansetron 0.15 mg/kg (Group 3), intravenously. There were no differences between groups with respect to age, weight, gender, fluids received, number of eye muscles repaired,
anesthetic technique, or time in the operating room. The incidence of
vomiting in Groups 1, 2, and 3 was 50%, 27%, and 10% prior to discharge, and 67%, 53%, and 30% during the 24 h after surgery, respectively. The number of children
vomiting prior to discharge and within 24 h of surgery was significantly reduced in Group 3 compared with Group 1 (P < 0.003 and P < 0.015, respectively). The number of
vomiting episodes per patient in Groups 1, 2, and 3 was 1.1, 0.5, and 0.1 prior to discharge, and 4.5, 2.6, and 1.2 during the 24 h after surgery (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.004, respectively).
Ondansetron 0.15 mg/kg intravenously after the induction of
anesthesia reduces the incidence and severity of
vomiting after
strabismus repair both prior to discharge from the hospital and during the 24 h after surgery.