Using inhaled isopropyl alcohol to treat nausea in children

Inhaled Isopropyl Alcohol for the Treatment of Nausea in a Pediatric Emergency Department: A Open Label, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional State University of New York at Buffalo · NCT05418244

This study is testing if inhaling isopropyl alcohol can help reduce nausea in children better than the usual treatment with oral ondansetron or a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages7 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorState University of New York at Buffalo Academic / other
Locations1 site (Buffalo, New York)
Trial IDNCT05418244 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of inhaled isopropyl alcohol in alleviating nausea and vomiting in pediatric patients compared to the standard treatment with oral ondansetron and a placebo. Eligible participants, aged 7 to 178 years, will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: inhaled isopropyl alcohol, oral ondansetron, or inhaled normal saline. The study will take place in a pediatric emergency department, where informed consent will be obtained from the legal guardians before enrollment. The primary outcome will be the reduction of nausea severity as measured by the Baxter Animated Retching Faces (BARF) score.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pediatric patients aged 7 to 178 years who present with nausea or vomiting and meet specific inclusion criteria.

Not a fit: Patients who have a history of alcohol abuse, are pregnant, or have certain medical conditions such as prolonged QT interval will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, effective option for managing nausea in children, potentially improving their comfort and recovery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of inhaled isopropyl alcohol for nausea is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a chief complaint of nausea or vomiting
* Ages 7-178 years, both sexes
* Weight ≥ 15 kg
* Baxter Animated Retching Faces (BARF) nausea severity score ≥ 4/10

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Require IV access
* Inability to breathe in/out through the nose
* Anosmia (self- or parental report)
* Allergy to isopropyl alcohol or ondansetron
* Current or history of alcohol abuse
* Inability to communicate feeling nauseous
* Inability to follow directions regarding taking deep breaths through the nose
* Known prolonged QT interval
* Pregnancy
* Received antiemetics within the last 8 hours
* Currently taking apomorphine

Where this trial is running

Buffalo, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions VomitingNauseaChildren, Only
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.