Low-dose metoclopramide versus methylprednisolone in controlling chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting

Ninety outpatients with histologically confirmed malignancy receiving chemotherapy entered a randomized crossover trial to assess the antiemetic efficacy of low-dose metoclopramide versus methylprednisolone. Treatment consisted of either metoclorpramide (MCP) 60 mg or methylprednisolone (MPN) 375 mg administered in 3 equal doses just prior to chemotherapy and 6 and 12 hours after treatment. Patients receiving MPN had significantly less nausea (p less than 0.001) and fewer episodes of vomiting (p less than 0.0003) than patients receiving MCP. MPN also proved to be the more effective agent in cross-over trials. Both MPN and MCP were well tolerated. No important side effects were observed. MPN is a safe, effective, antiemetic treatment suitable for use in the outpatient.