Anti-emetic efficacy of dexamtheasone in combination for out-patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy

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Abstract
A single blind randomised trial of two different anti-emetic regimens (A and B) was performed in 26 patients with breast carcinoma undergoing emetic i. v. cytotoxic chemotherapy. They all received oral Motival (nortriptylene/fluphenazine) for 48 h after therapy and for regimen A received N-saline i. v. with their cytotoxics whilst for regimen B patients were given 16 mg dexamethasone i. v. Patients were given the alternative regimen at the subsequent course of treatment. They were asked to assess overall nausea and number of vomiting episodes in the 24 h following therapy. There was a statistically significant reduction in both for the regimen containing dexamethasone. This agent causes few side effects and is particularly suited for out-patient use.