Comparison of the effects of clonidine and metochlopramide on postoperative nausea and vomiting

Despite using different preventive drugs, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common after strabismus surgery. According to some published results an alpha-2 agonist, clonidine has had variables effects on PONV after some surgeries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral clonidine on PONV after strabismus surgery. In this randomized double-blinded clinical trial study, 135 patients, younger than 18 years, were randomly divided into three groups. 1cc/10kg clonidine syrup or 0.25 mg/kg metochlopramide or placebo was used in each group, 90 minutes before surgery. The methods of induction and maintenance of anesthesia were similar for the 3 groups. The frequency of PONV in the recovery room or ward was recorded during 24 hours. Data was analyzed using Chi-squire with Fischer exact and ANOVA with Dennett T3 correction tests. In the group receiving clonidine, postoperative frequency of vomiting was less than that in the group-receiving placebo (p<0.05). Also the number of vomiting in the clonidine group was less than that in the placebo and metochlopramide groups (p<0.05) Clonidine decreased the frequency of postoperative vomiting and nausea. Thus, its usage is recommended for prevention of the postoperative complications