Transdermal scopolamine patch with odansetron for the control of nausea after uterine artery embolization compared with odansetron alone: results of a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To determine whether the transdermal scopolamine patch in combination with odansetron is more effective than odansetron alone at reducing the nausea that occurs after uterine artery embolization (UAE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Patients undergoing UAE at a single university medical center were randomly assigned to receive either a scopolamine patch (containing 1.5 mg of scopolamine) or a placebo. All participants and study personnel were blinded as to group assignment. The primary outcome was the degree of nausea in the first 24 hours after UAE as measured on a visual analog scale from 0 to 10. Nausea and pain at 24 and 72 hours after UAE and medication use were recorded. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were also analyzed.

RESULTS:

A total of 74 patients were enrolled; 37 were randomly assigned to receive scopolamine, and 37 received placebo. Although the overall level of nausea after UAE was low (mean score of 2.6 out of 10), there was a lower level of nausea with those treated with scopolamine compared with placebo during the first 24 hours after embolization; the difference was statistically significant (1.8 vs 3.4, P = .03). Adverse events were more common with the patch, with two patients experiencing episodes of profound disorientation and 71% reporting substantial dry mouth. The only predictor of greater nausea was the increasing severity of pain.

CONCLUSIONS:

The scopolamine patch provides a moderate reduction in the nausea associated with UAE but is associated with infrequent but notable episodes of patient disorientation.

• Authors: Justin S Lee, Mary Costantino, Michael F McCullough, Jaime B Lee, Michelle M Jones, Elizabeth A Carter, James B Spies
• Journal: Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR (J Vasc Interv Radiol) Vol. 21 Issue 7 Pg. 1018-23 (Jul 2010) ISSN: 1535-7732 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20537558 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright 2010 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antiemetics
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Drug Combinations
• Ondansetron
• Scopolamine

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Adult
• Aged
• Antiemetics (administration & dosage)
• Delayed-Action Preparations (administration & dosage)
• Drug Combinations
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Nausea (etiology, prevention & control)
• Ondansetron (administration & dosage)
• Placebo Effect
• Scopolamine (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome
• Uterine Artery Embolization (adverse effects)