Dolasetron delivers on value for postoperative nausea and vomiting

Abstract

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) has been called the ‘big little problem’ following surgery requiring anaesthesia or sedation. ¹ With the increased focus on healthcare costs, prevention and treatment of PONV is likely to become an important issue as hospitals are required to make more efficient use of limited resources. The move towards fast-track anaesthesia and the increase in the number of procedures conducted on an outpatient basis have placed the effective management of PONV in the spotlight. Selective serotonin ₃ (5-HT₃)-receptor antagonists are the most recent agents used to control PONV. Dolasetron [‘Anzemet’; Hoechst Marion Roussel/Abbot], a new 5-HT ₃ -receptor antagonist, was recently launched in its first markets for the prevention and treatment of PONV in adults and children. ^* Its likely impact on this indication was discussed at a sponsored symposium session at the 72nd Clinical and Scientific Congress of the International Anaesthesia Research Society [ Orlando, US; March 1998 ].