Droperidol (Dehydrobenzperido®): Postoperative Anti‐Emetic Effect when Given Intravenously to Gynaecological Patients

In a double-blind investigation, comprising 300 gynaecological patients, the prophylactic use ol droperidol i.v. at the start of the anaesthesia produced a significant reduction in the frequency of nausea and vomiting postoperatively in the tirst 24 h from 34.4% to 10.3% (P=0.0001). There was no significant dilrercnce between the effect of droperidol 2.5 mg and 5 mg (P=0.45). Increased postoperative sedation was the only side-cftect of any importance observed; however, this did not result in any increased period of observation in the recovery room, and the majority of patients considered it advantageous. Droperidol is recommended as a prophylactic anti-emetic for selected groups of patients, given as 2.5 mg i.v. at the start of the anaesthesia.