Anti-emetic effect of high-dose metoclopramide vs alizapride--a randomised crossover study

A randomised double-blind crossover study was undertaken to compare the anti-emetic efficacy of alizapride against high dose metoclopramide. A total of 32 patients on cisplatin were randomised to receive either high dose metoclopramide (7 mg kg-1 day-1) or alizapride (5 mg kg-1 day-1). Anti-emetic responses in terms of control of vomiting episodes were similar in both regimens (59%). However, patients showed a statistically significant preference for high dose metoclopramide (P = 0.02). Side effects of both regimens were minimal. We conclude that alizapride is not superior to high dose metoclopramide in controlling cisplatin induced vomiting.