REBEL EM - By Mark Ramzy - December 03, 2020
Paper: April MD, et al. Aromatherapy Versus Oral Ondansetron for Antiemetic Therapy Among Adult Emergency Department Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ann Emerg Med. 2018 PMID: 29463461
"Clinical Question:
How does aromatherapy using isopropyl alcohol compare to oral ondansetron as an antiemetic therapy among adult emergency department patients not requiring immediate IV access?
Author’s Conclusions:
Among ED patients with acute nausea and not requiring immediate intravenous access, aromatherapy with or without ondansetron provides greater nausea relief than oral ondansetron alone
Our Conclusion:
Inhaled isopropyl alcohol is a simple, quick and inexpensive intervention that could be combined with oral agents and utilized as an antiemetic in adult emergency department patients. The immediate relief of nausea and vomiting may also improve patient satisfaction and prevent intravenous catheter placement. Additional studies are needed when applying the results of this study to pregnant patients, children, and those with severe nausea and vomiting
Clinical Bottom Line:
Inhaled isopropyl alcohol pads are a simple and inexpensive intervention that should be added as another tool, among other antiemetic therapies, when treating adult emergency department patients with nausea and vomiting"