Improved control of cisplatin‐induced emesis with high‐dose metoclopramide and with combinations of metoclopramide, dexamethasone, and diphenhydramine: Results of consecutive trials in 255 patients Journal Article


Authors: Kris, M. G.; Gralla, R. J.; Tyson, L. B.; Clark, R. A.; Kelsen, D. P.; Reilly, L. K.; Groshen, S.; Bosl, G. J.; Kalman, L. A.
Article Title: Improved control of cisplatin‐induced emesis with high‐dose metoclopramide and with combinations of metoclopramide, dexamethasone, and diphenhydramine: Results of consecutive trials in 255 patients
Abstract: A series of consecutive trials were undertaken to determine whether higher doses of intravenous metoclopramide and combinations of metoclopramide, dexamethasone, and diphenhydramine would improve antiemetic control or decrease treatment‐related side effects in patients receiving cisplatin at 120 mg/m2. Metoclopramide and dexamethasone were studied because of their proven efficacy as single agents and their differing mechanisms of action and side effects. Diphenhydramine was used because of its possible antiemetic properties and its ability to control acute dystonic reactions. Two hundred fifty‐five patients who had never received chemotherapy or antiemetics were observed in the hospital for the 24 hours following cisplatin administration. The addition of dexamethasone or dexamethasone plus diphenhydramine to intravenous metoclopramide 2 mg/kg produced both improved antiemetic control and a decrease in treatment‐associated diarrhea (P = 0.002). The use of metoclopramide alone at a dose of 3 mg/kg for only two doses appeared as effective as 2 mg/kg for five doses. When dexamethasone and diphenhydramine were given with metoclopramide 3 mg/kg for two intravenous dosages, 81% of patients experienced no emesis and 93% had two or fewer vomiting episodes. The antiemetic results of this 2‐hour “short‐course” regimen were superior to metoclopramide 2 mg/kg, with (P = 0.002) or without (P = 0.0001) dexamethasone and diphenhydramine. It was concluded that combinations of metoclopramide plus dexamethasone plus diphenhydramine improve antiemetic control, facilitate the usage of higher doses of metoclopramide, and decrease the incidence of treatment‐related side effects. Copyright © 1985 American Cancer Society
Keywords: adult; cancer chemotherapy; aged; middle aged; major clinical study; cisplatin; diarrhea; drug efficacy; neurotoxicity; vomiting; lung neoplasms; sedation; dexamethasone; vinblastine; gastrointestinal toxicity; drug therapy, combination; vindesine; antiemetics; drug dose; drug therapy; metoclopramide; adverse drug reaction; therapy; clinical trials; esophageal neoplasms; intravenous drug administration; mitoguazone; diphenhydramine; nervous system; prevention; intoxication; dystonia; drug comparison; drug mixture; humans; human; male; female; priority journal
Journal Title: Cancer
Volume: 55
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0008-543X
Publisher: Wiley Blackwell  
Date Published: 1985-02-01
Start Page: 527
End Page: 534
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(19850201)55:3<527::Aid-cncr2820550310>3.0.Co;2-2
PUBMED: 3880660
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 26 October 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. David P Kelsen
    537 Kelsen
  2. Mark Kris
    869 Kris
  3. George Bosl
    430 Bosl
  4. Leslie Tyson
    70 Tyson
  5. Richard J. Gralla
    69 Gralla
  6. Susan Groshen
    28 Groshen
  7. Rebecca Clark
    21 Clark