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  • Title: The efficacy of haloperidol in the management of nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer.
    Author: Hardy JR, O'Shea A, White C, Gilshenan K, Welch L, Douglas C.
    Journal: J Pain Symptom Manage; 2010 Jul; 40(1):111-6. PubMed ID: 20619214.
    Abstract:
    CONTEXT: Haloperidol is used commonly for the control of nausea and vomiting (N/V) in palliative care patients, but there is very little evidence to support its use. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of haloperidol as an antiemetic in patients with cancer and N/V not related to cancer treatment. METHODS: Patients with an N/V score of at least 1 on a 4-point scale were prescribed either oral or subcutaneous haloperidol. N/V and toxicity were assessed daily for the duration of the study (maximum five days) by both the patient and an observer (health professional). RESULTS: At Day 2, 33 of 42 (79%) treated patients were assessable for response. Eight (24%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 10%-39%) patients had complete control of N/V and 12 (36%; 95% CI: 20%-53%) had partial control, giving an overall response rate of 61% (95% CI: 44%-77%). At Day 5, 23 patients were assessable for response. The overall response rate was 17 of 23 (74%; 95% CI: 56%-92%). If all patients are included in the response analysis, the overall response rates at Days 2 and 5 were 47% and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Haloperidol has some efficacy in the treatment of N/V in this patient group. The results from this uncontrolled study provide pilot data from which to plan future controlled trials of antiemetics in the palliative care population.
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