Droperidol as an Antiemetic in Cis-Platinum-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Abstract

23 patients received cis-platinum, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide for gynecologic malignancy between December 1, 1980 and December 1, 1982. Each patient was randomized with each course of chemotherapy to receive intravenous droperidol or the combination of promethazine and chlorpromazine rectal suppositories as an antiemetic regimen. Both the rate and duration of emesis were significantly lower when droperidol was used as the antiemetic regimen. There were no major side effects with either regimen. Droperidol seems to be superior to the combination of promethazine and chlorpromazine rectal suppositories in alleviating cis-platinum-induced nausea and vomiting.