The effectiveness of anti-emetic agents: a comparison of the anti-activity of trifluopromazine (vesprin®), perphenazine (trilafon®), and trifluoperazine (stelazine®) with that of dimenhydrinate (gravol®) in postanaesthetic vomiting

Abstract

The results of a double-blind study of four anti-emetic drugs are presented, and compared with a group receiving no medication. Included in this series were 2146 patients, selected as to physical status, postoperative condition, premedication, operation and anaesthetic. All the anti-emetic agents produced a significant reduction in the incidence of nausea and vomiting as compared with the group of patients receiving no medication. Trifluopromazine (Vesprin®), perphenazine (Trilafon®), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine®) were significantly better than dimenhydrinate (Gravol®) in reducing the incidence of nausea and vomiting. Of the three phenothiazine derivatives, perphenazine was the most effective in reducing the severity of the symptoms. An increased incidence of hypotension and prolongation of postoperative sleep noted with trifluopromazine and perphenazine was not seen with trifluoperazine. A reduction in the need for postoperative narcotic injections was noted with all three phenothiazine derivatives, being mosti marked in the case of trifluopromazine and trifluoperazine. © 1963 Canadian Anesthesiologists.