Diphenidol, A new antiemetic: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Summary

Placebo or diphenidol, a new nonphenothiazine antiemetic, was given to 30 patients with severe nausea and vomiting due to conditions including uremia, metastatic cancer, and hepatic decompensation. Diphenidol provided relief from nausea and vomiting that was significantly greater than the relief provided by placebo (P<0.02 and P<0.02). In the dosage required to control the symptoms, diphenidol did not cause any side effects that interfered with other medical treatment. The antiemetic activity of diphenidol appeared to be equivalent to that of the phenothiazines. Moreover, in the recommended antiemetic doses, diphenidol did not cause any of the side effects that can occur with the phenothiazines. Finally, in doses higher than those recommended for antiemetic activity, diphenidol appeared to be useful in controlling prolonged, intractable singultus. This impression should be confirmed by controlled studies.