May 2019 – Another new study showed inhaled isopropyl alcohol significantly reduced nausea, this time in patients in the ED.

Several studies have shown that inhaled isopropyl alcohol can provide rapid relief of nausea. It may perform well enough to avoid systemic anti-emetics or provide enough nausea control that longer-acting, oral anti-emetics may be tolerated.

Open an alcohol pad and have the patient hold it near the nose, inhaling deeply through the nose as often as required to relieve nausea. Repeat with a new pad every 10 minutes as necessary.

April et al., Annals of Emergency Medicine, 2018.
Hines et al., Cochran Database of Syst Rev 2018
Smiler, Anaesth Analg, 1998;87:1211
Ann Emerg Med 2016 Jul;68(1):1-9

For more information, contact Dr. Leslie Estep or Dr. Anita Meyer at Hospice of the Northwest, 360-814-5550, or lestep@hospicenw.org or ameyer@hospicenw.org