Korean J Anesthesiol.  2011 Nov;61(5):405-412. 10.4097/kjae.2011.61.5.405.

Ramosetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV): a meta-analysis

• Kim WO
• Koo BN
• Kim YK
• Kil HK

• KMID: 2092323
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2011.61.5.405

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains a challenge for patients and health professionals despite various newly developed prophylactic interventions. We reviewed the efficacy and safety of ramosetron in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the prevention of PONV.
METHODS
We reviewed 18 randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy and safety of ramosetron in comparison with placebo or any other drugs. Relevant studies were searched in the MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane database libraries. Our end points of concern were prevention of PONV and adverse effects as dichotomous data.
RESULTS
The prophylactic effect of 0.3 mg ramosetron was observed in early PON (relative risk, RR: 0.4; 95% CI 0.3-0.6), early POV (RR: 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.6), late POV (RR: 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.6), but not late PON (RR: 0.7; 95% CI 0.5-1.0). Compared with placebo, the efficacy of 0.3 mg ramosetron in adults and 6 microg/kg in children were consistently beneficial in preventing PONV overall (RR: 0.4; 95% CI: 03-0.6). The effects of 0.3 mg ramosetron and 3 mg granisetron were similar. No serious side effects or adverse events resulted from ramosetron and other active drugs, and incidence was similar to those of the placebo group.
CONCLUSIONS
Ramosetron is effective and safe in children and adults without serious adverse effects compared with placebo or other active drugs, as shown in pooled data of RCTs, in terms of the prevention of PONV.

Keyword

Antiemetics; Meta-analysis; PONV; Ramosetron

MeSH Terms

Adult
Antiemetics
Benzimidazoles
Child
Granisetron
Health Occupations
Humans
Incidence
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
Antiemetics
Benzimidazoles
Granisetron