Effect of antiemetic co-administration with anesthesia on reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting

Abstract

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remain among the most common and distressing complications following anesthesia and surgery, affecting up to 30% of patients and substantially impacting recovery and patient satisfaction. The co-administration of antiemetic agents with anesthetic drugs has emerged as a critical strategy to mitigate this issue. This article reviews current evidence on the effectiveness of antiemetic co-administration with anesthesia in reducing PONV, drawing upon clinical trials, meta-analyses, and case studies. It evaluates key pharmacologic agents such as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, dopamine antagonists, and the role of anesthetic choice, particularly propofol-based regimens. The findings indicate that multimodal antiemetic protocols integrated with anesthesia significantly reduce the incidence and severity of PONV. Clinical practice implications, challenges, and future research directions are discussed to guide optimized perioperative care.