Metoclopramide versus droperidol for prevention of nausea and vomiting during epidural anesthesia for cesarean section

In a randomized, double-blind study, we compared the efficacy of metoclopramide hydrochloride with that of low-dose droperidol for prevention of nausea and vomiting during and after elective cesarean section with epidural anesthesia. Immediately after the umbilical cord was clamped, each patient received fentanyl (50 micrograms) and the study drug intravenously over 30 to 60 seconds. In one study group, 40 women received metoclopramide (15 mg); in the other group, 41 women received droperidol (0.5 mg). Twelve women (30%) in the metoclopramide group, versus eight (20%) in the droperidol group, had intraoperative, postdelivery nausea (P = NS). One woman (3%) in the metoclopramide group, versus two women (5%) in the droperidol group, had intraoperative, postdelivery vomiting (P = NS). During the first four postoperative hours, five women (12%) in each group complained of nausea. Three women (7%) in each group had postoperative vomiting. We conclude that metoclopramide (15 mg) and droperidol (0.5 mg) were similarly effective.