Trimethobenzamide Antiemetic in Immediate Postoperative Period

THE INCIDENCE OF VOMITING in the immediate postoperative period has decreased markedly with the advent of newer anesthetic agents and techniques. However, there is still a definitive incidence of this troublesome sequela as shown by the multiplicity of drugs which are available for its therapy. Many of these medications are relatively effective, but the high incidence of unpleasant side-effects sometimes prohibits their use. The exact mechanisms involved in vomiting are fairly well delineated though contributing factors are still somewhat nebulous. Borison and Wang have shown that the vomiting center is located in the medulla, and that the chemoreceptor trigger zone is located in the floor of the fourth ventricle. Schallek et al. have reported that trimethobenzamide exerts its pharmacologie activity primarily upon the chemoreceptor zone located in the floor of the fourth ventricle. Since the 2 previously mentioned facts are apparently consistent, it would appear that the use of trimethobenzamide