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Continuous infusion of high-dose metoclopramide for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy

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Summary

Fourteen patients undergoing strongly emetic cancer chemotherapy received a total of 33 continuous infusions of high-dose metoclopramide to prevent nausea and vomiting. Metoclopramide 2 mg/kg was given as an i.v. infusion over 15 min followed by continuous infusion over 13 h of 5 mg/kg. The antiemetic response could be evaluated in 12 patients receiving their first continuous metoclopramide infusion. Six patients were partly or completely protected from acute gastrointestinal disturbances. Three patients experienced a short-lived extrapyramidal syndrome during the continuous metoclopramide infusions. Other side effects observed were mild. Thus, high-dose metoclopramide given as a continuous infusion is an effective antiemetic treatment in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Medical Oncology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

    R. A. Joss & K. W. Brunner

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

    R. L. Galeazzi

Authors
  1. R. A. Joss
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  2. R. L. Galeazzi
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  3. K. W. Brunner
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Joss, R.A., Galeazzi, R.L. & Brunner, K.W. Continuous infusion of high-dose metoclopramide for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 25, 35–39 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00544011

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00544011

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