OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Biannaitong Medicinal Tea (BNT) combined with Azasetron in preventing and treating the gastrointestinal reaction induced by chemotherapy.

METHODSSixty-four patients underwent chemotherapy with DP regimen (docetaxol + DDP) were randomly assigned to two groups, the treated group and the control group. All patients were given 10 mg Azasetron intravenously 30 min before starting chemotherapy once a day for two successive days, but to patients in the treated group, 300 mL BNT was given orally additionally in the evenings before chemotherapy. The occurrence of adverse reactions, such as antiemetic efficacy constipation, abdominal distention, etc. was observed.

RESULTSThe vomiting control rates in the two groups were insignificantly different (87.5% vs 84.4%, P > 0.05), but difference in the complete control rates between them were significant (53.1% vs 43.8% , P < 0.05). And the occurrences of constipation (3.1% vs 59.4%) and abdominal distention (15.6% vs 59.4%) in the two groups were also significantly different (both P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONBNT used in coordination with Azasetron for alleviating vomiting could enhance the antiemetic effect, reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy, such as constipation, abdominal distension and anorexia, and thus to increase the compliance of patients.