Addition of dexamethasone–chlorpheniramine mixture reduces the incidence of vomiting associated with oral ketamine premedication after pediatric dental procedures

Background Oral ketamine has been shown to induce safe and effective sedation in children, but with a high incidence of postoperative vomiting. Vendexine (dexamethasone–chlorpheniramine mixture) is a commercially available syrup used primarily to treat allergic conditions. Each of its components has antiemetic effects. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether the addition of vendexine to oral ketamine premedication affects the incidence of postoperative vomiting. Patients and methods Sixty-four children scheduled for elective dental procedures under general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind study. They received an oral premedication mixture (total volume of 0.42 ml/kg) of either ketamine 6 mg/kg (0.12 ml/kg) mixed with dextrose 50% and apple juice (the K group), or ketamine 6 mg/kg (0.12 ml/kg) mixed with dextrose 50% and vendexine syrup (0.25 ml/kg) (the VK group). Sedation onset was noted. Scores for drug acceptance, sedation, emotional status, and behavior during parents’ separation, on venipuncture, and face mask application were rated. Incidence of postoperative vomiting, emergence agitation score, fentanyl consumption, and recovery time were also recorded. Results The two groups were comparable as regards sedation onset, scores for drug acceptance, sedation, emotional status, and behavior during parents’ separation, on venipuncture, and face mask application. However, a significant reduction of postoperative vomiting in the VK group was noticed compared with the K group (9.3 vs. 37.5%). In addition, emergence agitation and fentanyl consumption were significantly reduced in the VK group. Conclusion Vendexine added to oral ketamine reduces the incidence of postoperative vomiting associated with ketamine premedication in children.