Introduction: In this prospective, randomized, and double-blinded study we investigated the efficacy of haloperidol (10 μg/kg) and the combination of haloperidol (10 μg/kg) with ondansetron (0.1 mg/kg) for the prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after ophthalmologic surgery. Methods: 60 patients (ASA status 1–3) with risk factors for PONV (female, non-smoker, motion sickness or PONV in history, opioids for postoperative analgesia) undergoing retinal or strabismus surgery were included into the study and randomised to the haloperidol group (H-Group) or the haloperidol-ondansetron group (H/O-Group). 20 min before the end of anaesthesia the study medication was given. Nausea, vomiting, pain scores, and adverse events were assessed postoperatively over 24 h. Results: The incidence of PONV was lower for the H/O-Group (23 vs. 57% for the H-Group). Especially the incidence of vomiting was reduced for the H/O-Group (7 vs. 27% in the H-Group). No significant differences could be detected regarding adverse events. Conclusion: The single use of haloperidol for the prophylaxis of PONV is doubtful. Better results were obtained with the combination therapy of haloperidol with ondansetron, especially for vomiting.

Keywords:
Postoperative nausea and vomiting, Ondansetron, Haloperidol
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© 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
2009
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