The
antiemetic efficacy of
droperidol,
metoclopramide and
granisetron was compared with placebo in the reduction of
vomiting after paediatric surgery (the extremities;
inguinal hernia; and
phimosis) during general inhalational anaesthesia. One hundred children, ASA physical status I, 4-10 years of age, were enrolled in a prospectively, randomized, double-blind investigation and assigned to one of four treatment regimens: placebo (saline, n = 25),
droperidol (50 micrograms.kg1, n = 25),
metoclopramide (0.25 mg.kg-1, n = 25) or
granisetron (40 micrograms.kg-1, n = 25). These drugs were administered intravenously (i.v.) after inhalation induction of anaesthesia. A complete response, defined as no
emesis and no need for another rescue
antiemetic during the first 24 h after anaesthesia, occurred in 60%, 76%, 68% and 88% of patients who had received placebo,
droperidol,
metoclopramide and
granisetron, respectively (P < 0.05; overall Fisher's exact probability test). The incidence of adverse events postoperatively was not different among the treatment groups. In conclusion,
granisetron 40 micrograms.kg-1 is a better
antiemetic than
droperidol and
metoclopramide when compared to placebo for the prevention of
postoperative emesis in children.