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Evidence summaries

Ondansetron Compared to Droperidol and Metoclopramide in the Prevention of Post-Operative Emesis in Children

Prophylactic ondansetron is effective and superior to both droperidol and metoclopramide in the prevention of post-operative emesis in children. Level of evidence: "A"

A systematic review 1 including 19 studies with a total of 1 548 children was abstracted in DARE. Ondansetron was associated with a significantly lower risk of post-operative vomiting than droperidol or metoclopramide. The drug dose, study quality and type of outcome were not associated with effect. It was unlikely that the results were influenced by publication bias.

Ondansetron versus droperidol (8 RCTs with 563 children): the pooled RR of post-operative vomiting using a random-effects model was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.49 to 0.90).

Ondansetron versus metoclopramide (13 RCTs with 985 children): the pooled RR of post-operative vomiting using a random-effects model was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.44 to 0.71).

    References

    • Lim L, Dear KB, Heller RF. A systematic review of the antiemetic efficacy of prophylactic ondansetron compared with droperidol and with metoclopramide in children. Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs 1999, 16(1-2), 59-70. [DARE]

Primary/Secondary Keywords