Acetaminophen as a prophylaxis against PONV

Q: Acetaminophen (Tylenol/Paracetamol) can be used as a prophylaxis against post operative nausea vomiting (PONV)?

A) True
B) False


Answer: A

Meta-analysis published by Apfel Et al comprising of 2364 patients showed that if IV acetaminophen given prophylactically before arrival to recovery unit, it reduced the PONV in proportion with the reduction of pain (odds ratio 0.66, 0.47-0.93) (P=0.02) and vomiting (P=0.006).

#pharmacology 
#surgicalcriticalcare


Reference:

 Apfel CC, Turan A, Souza K, Pergolizzi J, Hornuss - Intravenous acetaminophen reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain. 2013 May;154(5):677-89.