Inhaled Isopropyl Alcohol for Nausea

No longer recruiting at 8 trial locations

Overseen By Anthony V Seto, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Anthony Seto

Must not be taking: Anti-nauseants

Disqualifiers: Allergy to isopropyl alcohol, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if inhaling isopropyl alcohol (commonly known as rubbing alcohol) can quickly relieve nausea at electronic dance music festivals. Participants will inhale either isopropyl alcohol or a saline solution (serving as a placebo) to compare their effects. This trial is ideal for festivalgoers who feel nauseated and have not yet taken other nausea medication. After inhaling, participants will rate their nausea to help researchers identify the most effective treatment. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to innovative research that could enhance festival experiences.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you have already taken an anti-nausea medication at the festival.

Is there any evidence suggesting that inhaled isopropyl alcohol is safe for treating nausea?

Research has shown that inhaling isopropyl alcohol can help relieve nausea. In one study, participants who inhaled it felt less nauseous than those who received a placebo, with effects occurring within just 10 minutes. More than 200 adults in emergency rooms found that isopropyl alcohol provided better nausea relief than no treatment. Another study found it more effective than some common nausea treatments.

Regarding safety, studies have used inhaling isopropyl alcohol without major problems. It was tested in about 200 adults, and no significant harmful effects were reported, suggesting most people tolerate the treatment well. However, anyone allergic to isopropyl alcohol should avoid it. Always consult a healthcare provider if unsure. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about inhaled isopropyl alcohol for nausea because it's a quick, non-invasive option that offers immediate relief. Unlike traditional oral medications, which can take time to work and may worsen nausea, inhaling isopropyl alcohol is fast-acting and bypasses the digestive system. This novel delivery method provides a unique mechanism of action by directly stimulating the nasal passages, which can be particularly beneficial for patients who struggle to keep oral medications down.

What evidence suggests that inhaled isopropyl alcohol might be an effective treatment for nausea?

Research shows that inhaling isopropyl alcohol can help relieve nausea. In this trial, participants will join different treatment arms to evaluate its effectiveness. One arm will involve inhaling isopropyl alcohol, while another will use a placebo comparator with sterile saline. A study from 2016 found that people who inhaled isopropyl alcohol felt less nauseous than those who used a placebo. In 2018, another study found that inhaling isopropyl alcohol, whether used alone or with an anti-nausea pill, worked better than just taking the pill. Participants using isopropyl alcohol reported feeling less nauseous over various times compared to those who used a placebo. These findings suggest that inhaling isopropyl alcohol could quickly and effectively reduce nausea. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Anthony V Seto, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Calgary

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adult attendees at a Canadian electronic dance music festival who are feeling nauseous. They must be able to inhale through their nose and report on their nausea level, but can't join if they've already taken anti-nausea medicine, have an allergy to isopropyl alcohol, or can't breathe through their nose.

Inclusion Criteria

I experience some level of nausea.

Exclusion Criteria

I am allergic to isopropyl alcohol.

I cannot breathe through my nose due to a condition or obstruction.

You cannot tell the doctor how much nausea you are feeling.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Participants are randomized to inhale either isopropyl alcohol or sterile saline pads for nausea management

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Immediate Follow-up

Participants' nausea levels are assessed 10 minutes post-inhalation

10 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any adverse effects and the need for rescue medication

10 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Inhaled Isopropyl Alcohol
• Placebo

Trial Overview

The study tests whether sniffing an isopropyl alcohol pad helps with nausea more than a placebo (sterile saline pad). Participants will take 10 deep sniffs from the pad and then rate their nausea after 10 minutes. The main goal is to see if there's a difference in how nauseous they feel.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Isopropyl Alcohol Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

10 inhalations of an isopropyl alcohol pad held within 2cm from the nares

Group II: Sterile Saline Placebo Group 1 Intervention

10 inhalations of a sterile saline pad held within 2cm from the nares

Inhaled Isopropyl Alcohol is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada, Japan, China, Switzerland for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Isopropyl Alcohol for:

• Antiseptic
• Disinfectant
• Hand sanitizer

Approved in European Union as Isopropyl Alcohol for:

• Antiseptic
• Disinfectant
• Hand sanitizer
• Medical device cleaning

Approved in Canada as Isopropyl Alcohol for:

• Antiseptic
• Disinfectant
• Hand sanitizer

Approved in Japan as Isopropyl Alcohol for:

• Antiseptic
• Disinfectant
• Hand sanitizer

Approved in China as Isopropyl Alcohol for:

• Antiseptic
• Disinfectant
• Hand sanitizer

Approved in Switzerland as Isopropyl Alcohol for:

• Antiseptic
• Disinfectant
• Hand sanitizer

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Anthony Seto

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

70+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 84 emergency department patients, nasal inhalation of isopropyl alcohol significantly reduced nausea compared to a placebo, with a median nausea score of 3 versus 6 at 10 minutes post-treatment.

Patients who inhaled isopropyl alcohol reported higher satisfaction levels (median score of 4) compared to those who received the placebo (median score of 2), indicating that isopropyl alcohol is not only effective in alleviating nausea but also improves patient satisfaction.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Isopropyl Alcohol Nasal Inhalation for Nausea in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Beadle, KL., Helbling, AR., Love, SL., et al.[2018]

Inhaled isopropyl alcohol (IPA) has been found to significantly reduce nausea in adults presenting to the emergency department, with a mean reduction of 2.18 on a 0-10 scale compared to placebo, indicating its potential efficacy as an antiemetic.

However, the evidence is considered moderate due to the small number of trials (only two included in the primary analysis with 195 patients), and further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and assess its impact on vomiting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Isopropyl alcohol inhalation for the treatment of nausea in adult emergency department patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lee, SY., Tamale, JR.[2023]

In a study involving 91 children aged 6-16 undergoing surgery, inhaling isopropyl alcohol vapor significantly reduced nausea and vomiting severity in 65% of the treatment group compared to 26% in the control group, indicating its potential effectiveness as a treatment.

However, the relief was temporary, as 54% of the treatment group experienced recurrent nausea or vomiting shortly after, suggesting that while isopropyl alcohol may provide short-term relief, it may not be a long-lasting solution for postoperative nausea and vomiting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An alternative method to alleviate postoperative nausea and vomiting in children. Wang, SM., Hofstadter, MB., Kain, ZN.[2022]

Inhaled isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was evaluated in 13 randomized controlled trials involving 1253 participants for its effectiveness in managing nausea and vomiting, particularly in postoperative and emergency settings.

While some studies reported IPA as more effective than other treatments, the overall quality of evidence was low, and no adverse effects were noted, indicating a need for further research to confirm its efficacy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Inhalation of Isopropyl Alcohol for the Management of Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review. Erdogan-Ongel, E., Heung, Y., Rozman de Moraes, A., et al.[2023]

Inhaled isopropyl alcohol (IPA) significantly reduced the time to achieve a 50% reduction in nausea compared to 5-HT3 antagonists, with a mean difference of -20.06 minutes, based on a meta-analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials involving 382 participants.

IPA also resulted in a greater reduction in nausea scores at 30 minutes and decreased the need for rescue antiemetics, suggesting it may be a rapid and effective alternative for nausea relief.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Isopropyl alcohol inhalation versus 5-HT3 antagonists for treatment of nausea: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Kimber, JS., Kovoor, JG., Glynatsis, JM., et al.[2023]

The introduction of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for treating nausea in the emergency department significantly increased the percentage of patients receiving treatment from 66.0% to 97.1% and reduced the time to treatment initiation from 7 minutes to just 1 minute.

Using IPA led to a decrease in the use of conventional anti-emetics and reduced treatment costs from €1.33 to €0.67 per patient, indicating that IPA is a more efficient and cost-effective option for managing nausea in the ED.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) inhalation as the first-line treatment for nausea in the emergency department: practical advantages and influence on the quality of care. Veldhuis, P., Melse, M., Mullaart, N.[2021]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6189884/

Inhaled isopropyl alcohol for nausea and vomiting in the ...

Two trials with about 200 nonpregnant adults presenting to the ED found inhaled (smelling) isopropyl alcohol improved mild to moderate nausea and vomiting.

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10435785/

Clinical experience with the use of inhaled isopropyl alcohol ...

However, the authors identified that IA had a more rapid onset for nausea reduction (50% reduction in nausea score) when compared to patients receiving other ...

3.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05418244

Inhaled Isopropyl Alcohol for Treatment of Nausea

To determine the efficacy of inhaled isopropyl alcohol in treating nausea/vomiting among pediatric patients compared with the conventional ...

4.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1067991X24001688

Evaluation of Isopropyl Alcohol Aromatherapy in Treating ...

In this study, there was no difference between intravenous ondansetron and IPA aromatherapy in the proportion of HEMS patients reporting improvement in nausea.

5.

journals.lww.com

journals.lww.com/ebp/fulltext/2017/11000/inhaled_isopropyl_alcohol_for_nausea.26.aspx

Inhaled isopropyl alcohol for nausea

Patients in the isopropyl alcohol group reported lower verbal numeric response scale nausea scores during every study period compared with the placebo group.

6.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S019606441501361X

Isopropyl Alcohol Nasal Inhalation for Nausea in the ...

We found that nasally inhaled isopropyl alcohol achieves increased nausea relief compared with placebo during a 10-minute period.

7.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10618376/

Isopropyl alcohol inhalation versus 5-HT3 antagonists for ...

Two studies with 90 participants compared time to 50% nausea reduction between treatment with inhaled IPA and a 5-HT3 antagonist. The overall ...

8.

intjem.biomedcentral.com

intjem.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12245-021-00334-z

Implementation of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) inhalation as the first ...

In a systematic review of patients with postoperative nausea, IPA inhalation proved to be effective in reducing nausea severity [6].