Clinical Efficacy of Lorazepam in Prophylaxis of Anticipatory, Acute, and Delayed Nausea and Vomiting Induced by High Doses of Cisplatin. A Prospective Randomized Trial

Nausea and vomiting are extremely common and most distressing side effects of high-dose cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin induces anticipatory and acute, as well as, delayed emesis. High doses of metoclopramide can effectively decrease the intensity of these symptoms in up to 70% of cases. Several agents, including dexamethasone and antihistamines have been demonstrated to either increase the efficacy of metoclopramide or decrease the side effects. Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, has both antiemetic and anxiolytic properties. It can be useful as an adjunct to metoclopramide-based therapy. We conducted a randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of lorazepam in managing anticipatory, acute, and delayed emesis induced by high doses of cisplatin. A total of 180 events involving cisplatin administration (100 mg/m2 as a 24-hour continuous infusion) were randomized to receive metoclopramide along with dexamethasone and clemastine with and without lorazepam. Categorical scales were utilized to document the incidence of nausea and vomiting and side effects related to antiemetic therapy. All episodes are evaluable. Lorazepam significantly reduced the incidence of anticipatory nausea and vomiting (P < .05) as well as acute emesis (P = .05) induced by cisplatin. Delayed emesis was also decreased; however, it was statistically significant on day 3 only (P < .05). Side effects were few except for mild sedation and amnesia, which were significantly more common in those receiving lorazepam (P < .001). We conclude that lorazepam increases the efficacy of metoclopramide against cisplatin-induced anticipatory, acute, and delayed nausea and vomiting. This four-drug regimen may offer one of the best combinations to be utilized in comparative trials against the newly introduced serotonin antagonists.