Pentobarbital's effect in a combination antiemetic regimen for cisplatin induced nausea and vomiting

Twelve patients with histologically confirmed gynecologic cancer treated with a chemotherapy regimen containing cisplatin were randomized in a double-blind cross-over trial utilizing two antiemetic combination regimens during the first four treatment courses. Regimen A consisted of pentobarbital, prochlorperazine, and dexamethasone. Regimen B contained dexamethasone, prochlorperazine, and placebo. Patients chose Regimen A over B 70% of the time (p less than 0.0268). In 50% of the treatment courses, objective assessment of Regimen A's antiemetic effect was complete compared with 4.5% for Regimen B. Sleep and reduced apprehension of cisplatin-induced emesis were the major factors why patients chose Regimen A. The authors concludes that intravenous pentobarbital-induced sleep, when added to a combination antiemetic regimen, is effective in reducing vomiting episodes. Moreover, it provides a more pleasant chemotherapy experience in patients undergoing cisplatin containing chemotherapy.