[An antiemetic effect of methylprednisolone plus droperidol against nausea and vomiting caused by administration of high-dose adriamycin to breast carcinoma patients].

An antiemetic combination of methylprednisolone and droperidol was administered to 10 patients with breast cancer showing postoperative recurrence, receiving high-dose adriamycin. Methylprednisolone was given twice intravenously at a dose of 500 mg, before and after administration of adriamycin, and droperidol was given just before administration of adriamycin. The 10 patients received a total of 20 chemotherapy courses. Complete relief of vomiting was achieved in 95% of these 20 courses, and mild nausea occurred in 40%. Side effects were drowsiness, acne and akathisia, which were minimal. It was concluded that an antiemetic combination of methylprednisolone and droperidol was very effective for prevention of high-dose adriamycin-induced nausea and vomiting.