The assessment of lorazepam effectiveness to reduce acute and delayed nausea and vomiting: A randomized clinical trial among chemotherapy patients

Cancer is defined as one of the most leading causes of death in Iran, as well as the whole world. Chemotherapy as a common modality might have several consequences such as nausea and vomiting.Metoclopramide, anti 5HI3, antagonist and benzodiazepines are used to decrease vomiting symptoms. However, the effectiveness of benzodiazepine is unknown so far. This study aimed to evaluate the role of Lorazepam in decreasing of metoclopramide dosage. Seventy consecutive patients were sampled to assess the outcome. lorazepam was randomly added to premedication drugs in one of two chemotherapy courses for all patients. The lorazepam proscribed one night before chemotherapy and continued for three days after chemotherapy every 12 hours. The frequency and severity of nausea showed a significant decrease with lorazepam vs. grade II+ acute decrease from 85% to 53% (p<0.0001), grade II+ delayed nausea decreas from 86.24% to 55%. (p<0.0001), grade II+ delayed vomiting decrease from 69.14% to 13% (p<0.0001) Despite previous studies the results of this study show a clear impact of lorazepam benefits on the decrease severity & frequency of nausea and vomiting.