Effects of ranitidine and metoclopramide on gastric fluid ph and volume in children

Abstract

To determine the effects of ranitidine and metoclopramide on gastric fluid in children, 40 healthy children (aged 2-8 yr) were allocated randomly to groups of 10 to receive one of four oral premedications 4 h before surgery: no premedication, metoclopramide 0.1 mg kg-1 ranitidine 2 mg kg-1 and metoclopramide 0.1 mg kg-1 with ranitidine 2mg kg-1. After tracheal intubation, gastric fluid was aspirated and analysed for pH and total fluid volume. Ranitidine, with or without metoclopramide, increased gastric fluid pH significantly compared with control (P < 0.05). Gastric fluid volume did not change significantly. © 1990 Copyright: 1990 British Journal of Anaesthesia.