In this randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study, we have compared three doses (0.1 mg, 1.0 mg and 3.0 mg) of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, granisetron (Kytril), as prophylactic therapy for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The aims were to determine the optimal dose of granisetron and to evaluate its safety profile. We studied 527 adult patients, undergoing elective open abdominal surgery or vaginal hysterectomy during general anaesthesia. Antiemetic prophylaxis with a single dose of granisetron 1.0 mg or 3.0 mg resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.001 compared with placebo) in the numbers of patients experiencing postoperative vomiting, or nausea, or who achieved total control during the postoperative periods 0-6 h and 0-24 h. The two higher doses of granisetron (1.0 mg and 3.0 mg) provided effective prophylaxis against vomiting, with 78% and 77% of patients, respectively, being free from vomiting in the first 6 h after surgery, and 63% and 62% in the first 24 h. This compares with 50% and 34% at 0-6 h and 0-24 h, respectively, in the placebo group. Granisetron was well tolerated and the optimum dose was 1.0 mg.

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Many different drugs are used for sedation of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The vast majority of the agents used are administered intravenously; however, for the purposes of sedation, inhalational anaesthetic agents have some advantages, and potential disadvantages, over intravenous drugs. There has been some published work on the use of isoflurane as a sedative agent in this situation, with favourable comparisons with the currently used intravenous drugs. Ultimately, the role of inhalational agents as sedatives in the ICU will depend on the development of appropriate equipment and the enthusiasm of the clinicians involved.