Enhancement of the Antiemetic Action of Metoclopramide Against Cisplatin‐Induced Emesis by Transdermal Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Abstract

In a double-blind sequential trial, the influence of transdermal electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was studied in patients who were treated with total infusions of metoclopramide 3.5 mg/kg to counter the emetic action of cisplatin 60-90 mg/m2. Transdermal electrical nerve stimulation further reduced the emetic episodes in ten of 11 treatment pairs (2 alpha = .10). This effect was blocked by naloxone. More surprisingly, TENS reduced the incidence of extrapyramidal effects of metoclopramide (i.e., akathisia and dystonia). These effects may be explained by the involvement of central nervous and peripheral TENS-induced production of opioid neuromodulators. An alternate hypothesis is the stimulation of serotonergic mechanisms via neuromodulation by opioid peptides, or by involvement of both systems.