Comparison of the Effects of Metoclopramide and Ondansetron on Emergency Service Observation Times in Acute Gastroenteritis-Related Nausea and Vomiting Cases

Abstract

A cute gastroenteritis is defined as the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea and vomiting (NV) are common symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. [1] In addition to causing disturbing and unpleasant feelings in patients, acute gastroenteritis-related nausea and vomiting (AGNV) may also lead to progressive dehydration. [2] Anticholinergics, antihistamines, corticosteroids, butyrophenones, and benzamides may be used for the treatment of NV. [3] Metoclopramide is the most commonly preferred for the treatment of AGNV in emergency departments [4] and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of metoclopramide and ondansetron treatments on the emergency department observation time in acute gastroenteritis-related nausea and vomiting (NV). Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively on 297 patients diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis in a training and research hospital's emergency service observation unit within 6 months. Patients with gastroenteritis who were diagnosed with NV were divided into two groups according to the treatment they received in the observation unit. Patients who received 4 mg ondansetron slow infusion therapy were classified as Group 1, and patients who received 10 mg metoclopramide slow infusion therapy were classified as Group 2. Results: The average age of the patients was 39.57±18.75 years. Of the 297 participants, 56.6% (168) were female. Among them, 51.5% (153) received ondansetron (Group 1), and 48.5% (144) received metoclopramide (Group 2). 6.9% weakness-numbness and 4.9% akathisia were detected due to metoclopramide use. There were no adverse effects related to ondansetron use. The duration of observation ranged from 19 to 75 min in Group 1 and from 42 to 122 min in Group 2. Nineteen (13.2%) patients in Group 2 and 5 (3.3%) patients in Group 1 revisited the emergency department within 24 h due to ongoing complaints. Conclusion:In conclusion, side effects of weakness and akathisia due to metoclopramide use were observed. However, no side effects were observed due to ondansetron use. Additionally, the use of ondansetron showed a shorter observation time and less recurrent admission to the emergency department. Therefore, ondansetron is a more effective drug in the treatment of NV associated with acute gastroenteritis.