Sustained-release metoclopramide plus methylprednisolone versus placebo plus methylprednisolone as antiemetic prophylaxis during non-cisplatin chemotherapy

Abstract

In a randomized double-blind cross-over trial, sustained-release metoclopramide (S) plus methylprednisolone (M) was compared with placebo (P) plus methylprednisolone as antiemetic prophylaxis during two cycles of non-cisplatin chemotherapy. S was administered as 60 mg every 12 h commmencing on the evening before chemotherapy up to total of 300 mg metoclopramide in 2.5 days. Evaluation of nausea and vomiting was done by self-assessment schemes and visual analog scales. Fifty patients were included and 36 fulfilled both cycles. Mild nausea and vomiting were experienced by 81% and 83% in the S + M and P + M groups, respectively, while 42% and 39% showed complete control of nausea and vomiting during the first day of treatment. Moderate-dose S did not add to the antiemetic efficacy of M in non-cisplatin chemotherapeutic regimens.