Comparing the Effectiveness of Metoclopramide, Low Dose of Propofol, Ondansetron, and Magnesium Sulfate on Propofol Injection Pain: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Despite a variety of strategies, propofol injection pain (PIP) is still one of the most distressing adverse effects of the drug. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of metoclopramide, low dose of propofol, magnesium sulfate, and ondansetron in the prevention of PIP. Materials and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was conducted at Al-Zahra hospital an academic and referral center affiliated with Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran. A total of 120 eligible women candidates for elective gynecologic surgeries were divided into four equal groups of magnesium sulfate (30 mg/kg), ondansetron (4 mg), metoclopramide (10 mg), and propofol (15 mg). The primary outcome of this study was to decrease the pain severity of propofol injection. Results: The participants’ demographic characteristics, including age, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and body mass index, had no significant differences between the four groups. A significant decrease in heart rate and mean arterial pressure were observed in four groups; however, the difference was insignificant. The mean pain intensity in the magnesium sulfate group was 1.57 ± 0.9, ondansetron 1.37 ± 0.89, metoclopramide 0.95 ± 0.93, and in propofol group was 1.25 ± 1.1 (P=0.036). Conclusions: Metoclopramide could appropriately alleviate PIP. Considering some additional advantages, including antiemetic properties, preventing esophageal reflux, and less risk of postoperative ileus, this drug could be a safe and acceptable choice.

Keywords

• propofol
• injection
• pain
• metoclopramide
• ondansetron
• magnesium sulfate