Randomized, double-blind study comparing the efficacy of moderate-dose metoclopramide and ondansetron for the prophylactic control of postoperative vomiting in children after tonsillectomy

Abstract

Background. Postoperative vomiting (POV) is a major cause of morbidity after tonsillectomy in children. It has been well established that anti-serotinergic agents are effective for the prophylactic control of POV in this patient group. It has been suggested that at moderate doses (0.5 mg kg -1), metoclopramide is also an effective agent. No study has been performed comparing the efficacy of an anti-serotinergic agent and moderate-dose metoclopramide. Methods. A total of 557 children undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy were randomly allocated to receive either ondansetron 0.1 mg kg-1 or metoclopramide 0.5 mg kg-1. All received a standardized muscle-relaxant anaesthetic and ..