Nausea and Vomiting

Propofol

really works the best for emesis, but it is

an anesthetic med and one must never underestimate the

apnea power of propofol

 

Haldol

Haloperidol is as effective as ondansetron for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (Canadian Journal of Anesthesia 54:349-354 (2007))

 

5HT3 Receptor Antagonists

Zofran

4 mg, excellent but very expensive given IV

can be used in pregnancy

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Benzamides

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

D2 receptors at low doses, 5HT3 receptors at higher doses.

prokinetic agent

especially suited for opoid induced delayed gastric emptying

At higher doses, EPS side effects in up to 1/5 of patients.

Trimethobenzaminde (Tigan)

unknown mechanism, ? indirect D2 blockade

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Butyrophenones

stronger D2 receptor affinity with no anticholinergic or antihistamine effects

Droperidol

0.625 mg good to excellent Given IV

In one study, it was better than reglan or compazine. They used 1.25 dose (AJEM 2006;24:177)

Haldol

may be as effective as droperidol

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Phenothiazines

avoid in pregnancy, glaucoma and gastric outlet obstruction

Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)

probably as effective as compazine

Perphenazine (Trilafon)

May be more potent

Prochlorpermazine (Compazine)

10 mg good to excellent, given iv

Promethazine (Phenergan)

suppositories, IV or IM, however in my experience, it causes some pain given IV I do not like to use it that way unless put into an IV bag.  Probably better IM than IV.

Has strong antihistamine effects as well

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Anticholinergics

particularly useful in N/V of vestibular origin

Scopolamine

can be given transdermally

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Antihistamines

have anticholinergic effects as well as H1 blockade

Hydroxyzine (Atarax/Vistaril)

25-50 mg IM or PO, use just like phenergan

Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)

for motion sickness

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

for motion sickness

Meclizine (Antivert)

for motion sickness and possibly vestibular disease

 

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