Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting

BNF Treatment summaries Nausea and labyrinth disorders.

Guidelines

BNF recommends a combination of 2 anti-emetic drugs with different mechanism of action in those with risk factors for post-operative nausea and vomiting.

Drugs used:
  • 5HT3-receptor antagonists (e.g. ondansetron, granisetron)
  • Haloperidol and droperidol
  • Prochlorperazine
  • Dexamethasone
  • Cyclizine is licensed for post-operative nausea and vomiting caused by opioids and general anaesthetics 
 

If a drug failed → switch to a different class of anti-emetic.
Author: Stella Panou 
Reviewer: 
Last edited: 07/05/2025