The use of haloperidol for treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting--a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Sixty-two postoperative patients were admitted to a double-blind study to compare the therapeutic effectiveness of a single intramuscular injection of 1 mg of haloperidol with that of a placebo for the relief of vomiting and nausea following surgical procedures. Significantly fewer patients continued to vomit or experience nausea in the haloperidol-treatment group than in the placebo-treatment group. No statistically or clinically significant change in vital signs occurred in the haloperidol-treatment group. No serious side effect occurred in either group.