Amisulpride: A Review in Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication following anesthesia and surgery.
• Existing antiemetic prophylaxis may not be effective for all patients, necessitating alternative treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous amisulpride (IV amisulpride) for the prevention and treatment of PONV in adults.
• To assess IV amisulpride as a standalone or combination therapy for PONV.

Main Methods:

• Phase III, placebo-controlled trials were conducted to assess IV amisulpride.
• Efficacy was evaluated for both prevention and treatment of PONV, including in patients with prior antiemetic prophylaxis failure.

Main Results:

• IV amisulpride demonstrated efficacy in preventing PONV when used alone or in combination with other antiemetics.
• The drug was also effective in treating established PONV, regardless of prior prophylaxis.
• The tolerability profile of IV amisulpride was comparable to placebo, with no significant safety concerns identified.

Conclusions:

• IV amisulpride is a valuable addition to the armamentarium for managing PONV in adult patients.
• It provides an effective option for patients who have not responded to previous antiemetic treatments.
• The favorable safety profile supports its use in clinical practice.