A controlled clinical trial of the addition of transdermal scopolamine to a standard metoclopramide and dexamethasone antiemetic regimen.

A randomized prospective clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the potential utility of adding transdermal scopolamine to a standard regimen of metoclopramide and dexamethasone for the prevention of cisplatin-induced emesis. Thirty-one patients who were about to receive their first cycle of chemotherapy, using a combination regimen including cisplatin at a dose greater than or equal to 60 mg/m2 were randomized to receive an antiemetic regimen of either metoclopramide and dexamethasone alone, or these two drugs plus transdermal scopolamine patches. The mean number of episodes of emesis was .63 +/- 1.31 in the 16 scopolamine-treated patients, and 2.27 +/- 2.66 in the 15 patients who did not receive scopolamine (P less than .01). The scopolamine appeared to inhibit extrapyramidal reactions to the metoclopramide, but the number of cases was too small for statistical significance. We conclude that the addition of transdermal scopolamine to a standard metoclopramide and dexamethasone antiemetic regimen provides additive benefit in the control of cisplatin-induced emesis.