ANTIEMETIC EFFICACY OF LORAZEPAM IN PEDIATRIC ADOLESCENT CANCER-CHEMOTHERAPY

Purpose: The antiemetic efficacy of lorazepam (Ativan), when added to dexamethasone, was evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cro ssover study. Patients and methods: Thirty-four patients with cancer, age 6 to 18 years old, undergoing two identical courses of moderately emetogenic chemotherapy at least 7 days apart were enrolled. Twenty-ni ne patients completed both arms of the crossover trial. Results and co nclusions: Lorazepam did not add to the control of nausea or vomiting when used with dexamethasone. Side effects, principally sedation, conf usion, and hallucinations, were more common with lorazepam. Of the 29 patients completing both arms, 15 preferred the placebo arm, 9 preferr ed lorazepam, and 5 had no preference (P = .21).