Treatment for nausea and vomiting: A multi-arm double blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing the efficacy of droperidol, metoclopramide, and ondansetron for patients in the prehospital setting.
Grant ID: EMLE-242R39-2023-GREENSLADE
Project Summary
Nausea and vomiting are common reasons for people to call an ambulance. In Queensland, paramedics can provide a medication called Ondansetron to reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting. Alternative medicines, such as metoclopramide and droperidol, are also used in the emergency department or by ambulance services in other states. Despite the widespread use of medications for nausea and vomiting, little is known about their effectiveness in the prehospital setting. The limited evidence that exists comes from small studies in the emergency department setting, and indicates that medications may be no more effective than placebo for reducing nausea and vomiting. In this study, we aim to determine the effectiveness of medicines for nausea and vomiting in the prehospital environment. We will randomly assign patients who have nausea and/or vomiting to receive either ondansetron, metoclopramide, droperidol or a placebo as a prehospital treatment. Patients will rate the severity of their symptoms before and after receiving the medication, and we will compare these symptoms between groups to identify the most effective medicines. The study will help to optimise the treatment provided to the large number of patients who call an ambulance for nausea or vomiting.
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