A randomized comparative trial on the efficacy and safety of generic granisetron, kytril and metoclopramide in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery

Copyright © 2013 by Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Background: Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is commonly experienced by patients after surgical procedures. Objectives: The purpose of the present trial was to compare the antiemetic efficacy of three drugs (generic granisetron, metoclopramide and kytril) for the prevention of acute emesis induced by eye surgery. Patients and Methods: One hundred and fifty-one patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery were randomized to receive generic granisetron (n = 51), metoclopramide (n = 50) or kytril (n = 50), intravenously. A standard general anaesthetic technique and postoperative analgesia was used. The PONV and adverse effects of study drugs were assessed during the early (0-6 hrs) and late (6-24 hrs) periods after administration of medications. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding demographic characteristics. Complete protection from retching and vomiting was achieved in all patients receiving generic granisetron. Incidence of nausea, retching and vomiting was significantly higher in the metoclopramide group when compared with generic granisetron group. The most common adverse event in the three groups was headache. No significant difference in the incidence of adverse effects attributable to the study drug was observed between the groups. Conclusions: Generic granisetron was found to have favourable efficacy in the prevention of PONV after eye surgery and could be regarded as a safe and inexpensive alternative for kytril and metoclopramide.