Using Ondansetron to Reduce Pain from Propofol Injections in Children

Ondansetron As a Strategy for Reducing Propofol Injection Pain in Pediatrics: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 2 Interventional Emory University · NCT05378113

This study is testing if giving ondansetron before propofol injections can help reduce pain in children aged 2-17 who are having surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorEmory University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Atlanta, Georgia)
Trial IDNCT05378113 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates whether administering ondansetron (Zofran) before propofol injections can reduce pain in pediatric patients undergoing surgery. The study is randomized and single-site, taking place at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. Participants aged 2-17 will be assigned to receive either Zofran or lidocaine, the standard care for pain management. A blinded observer will assess pain levels during the injection, and vital signs will be monitored throughout the procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 2-17 undergoing surgery with peripheral vascular access.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain syndromes or those undergoing endoscopy procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management for children receiving anesthesia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in adults have shown that ondansetron can effectively reduce pain associated with propofol injections, suggesting potential success in this pediatric application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients 2 years old through 17 years of age
* Children undergoing surgery at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Egleston location
* Patient with existing peripheral vascular access in the arm below the antecubital fossa
* Patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status category score of 1, 2 or 3
* Parent or legal guardian willing to participate, and able to understand and sign the provided informed consent
* No known chronic pain syndrome

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parent or legal guardian unwilling to participate or unable to understand and sign the provided informed consent
* Patients presenting for endoscopy procedures
* Known chronic pain syndrome
* Patient diagnosed with long QT syndrome
* Patient weighing \>40kg
* Documented allergy to study medications
* Pain on injection of pre-operative normal saline flush
* Patient has received an opioid within 30 minutes prior to anesthesia induction

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia

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 Injection Site IrritationInjection site painPropofolOndansetron
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.