Granisetron prevents nausea and vomiting during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section

Nausea and vomiting during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section are common and unpleasant complications. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of granisetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonist, for prophylactic treatment of nausea and vomiting in parturients undergoing nonemergent caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 patients, 21-38 years, received either placebo (saline) or granisetron at 3 different doses (20 micrograms.kg-1, 40 micrograms.kg-1 or 80 micrograms.kg-1) (n = 25 for each) intravenously immediately after clamping of the foetal umbilical cord. Nausea, vomiting and safety assessments were performed during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.

The treatment groups were similar with regard to maternal characteristics and operative management. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was 64%, 52%, 14% and 12% after administration of placebo and granisetron in a dose of 20 micrograms.kg-1, 40 micrograms.kg-1 and 80 micrograms.kg-1, respectively (P < 0.05; overall Fisher's exact probability test). No clinically important adverse effects were observed in any group.

Prophylactic use of granisetron in a minimum dose of 40 micrograms.kg-1 is effective for preventing nausea and vomiting during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.