The Effect of Ginger and Ondansetron on Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Eye Surgery: A Triple-Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is still a common complication that occurs frequently at the time of recovery from eye surgery. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the effect of oral Ondansetron and Ginger on the frequency and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing eye surgery. Methods: A total of 148 patients were randomly assigned to Ginger, Ondansetron, and placebo groups. Group A received a Ginger capsule (1,000 mg), group B Ondansetron capsule (16 mg), and group C placebo capsule with 30 ml water, one hour before surgery. The frequency of nausea and vomiting and the severity of nausea were recorded immediately after recovery, 1, 2, and 4 hours after recovery. Also, some side effects following prescription such as headache, stomach ache, dizziness, and cardiac arrhythmias were recorded. Results: Of the 148 participants, 54% were men, and 46% were women. The average age was in group Ginger (36.14 ± 2.17), group Ondansetron (36.24 ± 2.49), and group placebo (36.24 ± 2.20). There was no significant difference in the frequency of vomiting between the three groups immediately after recovery (P = 0.19) and 4 hours after surgery (P = 0.18). However, the frequency of vomiting in Ginger and Ondansetron groups 1 and 2 hours after the surgery was significantly lower than that in the control group (P = 0.003). No significant difference was observed in the severity of nausea between the three groups at certain times (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of the need for injection antiemetic drugs after surgery (P = 0.2). Conclusions: Ginger and Ondansetron can reduce the frequency of vomiting. However, Ginger was more effective, safer, and less expensive than Ondansetron; therefore, it may be a better substitute for Ondansetron to prevent PONV.