Granisetron prevents nausea and vomiting during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section

Background: Nausea and vomiting during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section are common and unpleasant complications. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of granisetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonist, for prophylactic treatment of nausea and vomiting in parturients undergoing nonemergent caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.
Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 patients, 21–38 years, received either placebo (saline) or granisetron at 3 different doses (20 μg · kg^-1, 40 μg · kg^-1 or 80 μg · kg^-1) (n=25 for each) intravenously immediately after clamping of the foetal umbilical cord. Nausea, vomiting and safety assessments were performed during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.
Results: The treatment groups were similar with regard to maternal characteristics and operative management. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was 64%, 52%, 14% and 12% after administration of placebo and granisetron in a dose of 20 μg · kg^-1, 40 μg · kg^-1 and 80 μg · kg^-1, respectively ( P <0.05; overall Fisher's exact probability test). No clinically important adverse effects were observed in any group.
Conclusions: Prophylactic use of granisetron in a minimum dose of 40 μg · kg^-1 is effective for preventing nausea and vomiting during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.
© Acta Anaesthesiologiat Scandinavica 42 (1998)