Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
Postoperative nausea and vomiting is a common complication after surgery, affecting more than 30 percent of people who undergo surgical procedures. It can cause distress and delay recovery.
Key points
- In patients with at least three recognised risk factors, nausea and/or vomiting within 24 hours after surgery may occur in 60 to 80 percent without effective preventive treatment.
- PONV more typically occurs after general anaesthesia, which is used for procedures requiring the patient to be unconscious.
Medicines listed for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
The listed product for this condition is Zofran, which contains ondansetron, a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Ondansetron works by blocking a chemical signal that triggers the vomiting reflex. It is a tablet in 4mg and 8mg strengths.
