A double-blind randomized cross-over comparison of high-dose prochlorperazine with high-dose metoclopramide for cisplatin-induced emesis.

This double-blind randomized cross-over study was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of high-dose prochlorperazine infusion and dexamethasone (HDPD) with an effective and safe combination of high-dose metoclopramide and dexamethasone (HDMD) in controlling cisplatin-induced emesis. None of the patients entering the study had received any prior chemotherapy. High-dose cisplatin was administered on an inpatient basis. Twenty eligible patients were analyzed based on the assessment made 24 h after the chemotherapy. The parameters compared were severity and duration of nausea and vomiting, severity of retching and side effects. Significantly less vomiting and retching episodes were recorded with HDPD combination. The severity of nausea was also less with this combination. There was no significant difference in the incidence of side effects.