Comparison of ondansetron and tropisetron in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of prophylactic ondansetron and tropisetron for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Methods: A literature search was performed to identify studies that compare the efficiency of ondansetron with that of tropisetron in preventing PONV. Only randomized controlled trials updated to January, 2021 were included. Results: The final pooled analysis included 14 studies totaling 1705 patients and indicated that ondansetron was 39% less effective than tropisetron in preventing postoperative vomiting with a higher incidence of dizziness. However, no significant difference was detected between ondansetron and tropisetron in PONV, postoperative nausea, antiemetic treatment, and headache. Conclusions: Tropisetron is superior to ondansetron in preventing postoperative vomiting. PROSPERO No: CRD42021237368.