The Effects of Oral Ondansetron Disintegrating Tablets for Prevention of At-Home Emesis in Pediatric Patients After Ear-Nose-Throat Surgery

• DOI: 10.1213/ane.0b013e318167cc3a
• Publication Date: 2009-03-05T17:04:53Z
• Authors: Peter J. Davis; Kathleen M. Fertal; Karen R. Boretsky; Gina M. Fedel; Michael D. Ingram; Susan K. Woelfel; Paul C. Hoffmann; Harshad Gurnaney; Michael C. Young
• Keywords: Ondansetron

In Brief BACKGROUND: Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are associated with a frequent incidence of vomiting, both in the hospital at home. We evaluated effects oral ondansetron disintegrating tablets (ODT) on at-home emesis children undergoing tonsillectomy without bilateral myringotomy tube insertion. METHODS: All patients underwent inhaled mask induction nitrous oxide, oxygen, sevoflurane. Morphine, dexamethasone, were administered to all intraoperatively. Postoperative pain was treated fentanyl or acetaminophen codeine. Rescue antiemetics postanesthesia care unit same day surgery for three emetic episodes within 15 min, upon patient parent request. Patients randomized administration five doses either ODT placebo. followed first 3 days after surgery. At-home primary outcome variable. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-one entered into study, yielding 200 evaluable subjects. occurred (14.5%) 103 who received ODT, 31 (32%) 97 placebo group, P = 0.004. Subgroup analysis demonstrated efficacy did not require rescue medication nausea vomiting while hospital, but demonstrate required medication. CONCLUSIONS: use may prevent during children. prophylactic treatment respond ondansatron IMPLICATIONS: Oral decrease adenoidectomy.