Ondansetron Versus Dexamethasone/Ondansetron to Treat Acute Nausea in the Emergency Department
Ondansetron Versus Dexamethasone/Ondansetron to Treat Acute Nausea in the Emergency Department
Nausea is a common complaint in patients who present to the emergency department (ED).
 Although the number of conditions that can present with nausea are numerous, the mainstay of
 treatment has become intravenous ondansetron (Zofran), not only due to its rapid onset but
 also its availability. One of the major drawbacks to using this form is that it often needs
 to be redosed. This study aims to compare intravenous (IV) ondansetron alone versus IV
 ondansetron given with IV dexamethasone (Decadron) as another viable option when treating
 patients with nausea in the emergency department.

 Previous studies in patients undergoing surgical procedures have shown that when IV
 dexamethasone is given with IV ondansetron to post-operative patients they have less nausea
 and vomiting than ondansetron alone, and were even found to show decreased post-operative
 pain associated with nausea. It has also been shown to decrease the need to re-dose
 antiemetic medication. Although this combination has not been tested in the emergency
 department it is believed by these investigators that the additional use of dexamethasone may
 decrease the need to use repeated doses of ondansetron.

 The investigators believe this may change the way physicians currently approach the nauseated
 patient in regards to treatment. That rather than possibly giving multiple doses of one
 medication over and over to reduce a patient's nausea, physicians can give two medications
 together at one time. The investigators hope to demonstrate that by giving intravenous
 dexamethasone and ondansetron together, it may be possible to reduce the number of patients
 who need additional doses of nausea medication.
Nausea is a common complaint in patients who present to the emergency department (ED).
 Although the number of conditions that can present with nausea are numerous, the mainstay of
 treatment has become intravenous ondansetron (Zofran), not only due to its rapid onset but
 also its availability. One of the major drawbacks to using this form is that it often needs
 to be redosed. This study aims to compare intravenous (IV) ondansetron alone versus IV
 ondansetron given with IV dexamethasone (Decadron) as another viable option when treating
 patients with nausea in the emergency department.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Chief Complaint of nausea or abdominal pain with nausea

 -  Inability to tolerate oral nausea medication

 -  Patients with a negative pregnancy test

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients younger than 18 years of age

 -  Patient's chief complaint includes headache, chest pain, or dizziness

 -  Patients with whom there are contraindications to using the studied medicine
 (allergies, known adrenal disease)

 -  Blood sugar greater than 300

 -  Non-English speaking subjects