Structured abstract
Question
In patients undergoing surgery, does prophylactic dimenhydrinate reduce the frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) compared to placebo?
Data sources
Studies were identified by computerized searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) up to June 2001, citation review, and hand searches of locally available anesthesia journals. No language restrictions were applied.
Study selection
Studies were selected if they were randomized controlled trials comparing prophylactic dimenhydrinate or diphenhydramine to placebo.
Data extraction
Data was extracted in duplicate on postoperative nausea, postoperative vomiting, and PONV.
Main results
Eighteen trials with a total of 3,045 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared to placebo, dimenhydrinate reduced the frequency of early (0–6 hr postoperatively) PONV (relative benefit [RB] 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.21) and overall (0–48 hr postoperatively) PONV (RB 1.51; 95% CI 1.27–1.78; Table). Dimenhydrinate reduced overall PONV in subgroups of adults, children, and routes of administration (iv/im orpr).
Conclusion
Prophylactic dimenhydrinate reduces PONV up to 48 hr after surgery.
Funding
Not reported.
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References
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Buckley, D.N., Tramèr, M.R. Best evidence in anesthetic practice Prevention: Dimenhydrinate prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting. Can J Anesth 50, 11–13 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03020179
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03020179