Comparison of prophylactic granisetron and granisetron with dexamethasone in the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing general anaesthesia

Background: This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of granisetron and dexamethasone for the prevention of PONV after general anaesthesia. Patients & Methods: In a randomized,prospective,double blind study 80 patients of both sexes received inj.granisetron 40μg kg^-1 alone and inj.granisetron 40μg kg^-1 + dexamethasone 8mg (40 pts each) intravenously 5 mins before induction. A standard general anaesthesia technique was used. Patients were monitored for 24 hrs(0-3 hrs in post-op icu& 4-24 hrs in ward). Result: A complete response, defined as no PONV and no need of rescue anti-emetic during the first 3hrs after anaesthesia was recorded in 82.5% and 97.5% of pts who received granisetron and granisetron + dexamethasone respectively. The corresponding incidence during the next 21hrs 85% and 97.5%. Conclusion: In summary, prophylactic use of combined granisetron plus dexamethasone was more effective than granisetron alone for the prevention of PONV.