Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain PPOP
Published on: January 27, 2010
Effect of ondansetron on post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in parturients undergoing cesarean section: a
Zainabosadat Fattahi1, Seyed Mohammad Reza Hadavi1, Mohammad Ali Sahmeddini2
1Shiraz Anesthesiology and Critical Care Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Purpose:
One of the most exhausting complications of spinal anesthesia, especially in parturients, is post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). This headache is not responsive to the usual pain killers. Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist which is generally used for the prophylactic management of nausea and vomiting; however, studies have found that ondansetron might decrease the incidence of PDPH. Therefore, we aimed to evalute the effect of ondansetron on decreasing the incidence of PDPH.
Methods:
In this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, 210 parturients who underwent elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to two groups. The intervention group received 0.15 mg/kg ondansetron, while the control group received 5 ml normal saline. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded during surgery. Furthermore, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and PDPH in the two groups were noted by an anesthetic nurse for 3 days and compared.
Results:
The incidence of PDPH in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group (P = 0.001). The incidence of PONV was also significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, MAP was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding heart rate (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Ondansetron (0.15 mg/kg) appeared to reduce the incidence of PDPH, as well as the incidence of hypotension and PONV, in parturients undergoing spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.
Related Concept Videos
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...