Subcutaneous levomepromazine rescue (SLR) for high grade delayed chemotherapy-induced emesis (DCIE).

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Delayed chemotherapy-induced emesis (DCIE) has significant patient and health economic impact. Up to 50% of patients on chemotherapy may develop DCIE. There is no accepted standard of care for DCIE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A prospective observational study of patients with high grade DCIE needing admission to hospital over a 2-year period. Single cycle delayed anti-emetic failure (DAF) per patient is reported. Twenty-five mg/24 hours subcutaneous levomepromazine rescue (SLR) was used. Control of nausea and vomiting was recorded in 2 time-periods: 0 to 24 hours and 24 to 48 hours.

RESULTS:

Thirty-two patients (12 male, 20 female) required SLR. Median age 58 years (r. 35-76). Grade 0 nausea and vomiting (N and V) was attained within 24 hours in 75% and 81% of patients, respectively, and in 94% of patients for both by 48 hours. Side-effects of sedation and hypotension were mild.

CONCLUSION:

Levomepromazine has efficacious anti-emetic qualities in the rescue of patients with high grade DCIE needing hospital admission.

• Authors: H L McCabe, A Maraveyas
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) 2003 Nov-Dec Vol. 23 Issue 6D Pg. 5209-12 ISSN: 0250-7005 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 14981991 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiemetics
• Antineoplastic Agents
• Methotrimeprazine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antiemetics (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Injections, Subcutaneous
• Male
• Methotrimeprazine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Middle Aged
• Nausea (drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Vomiting (chemically induced, drug therapy, prevention & control)