Haldol/Diphenhydramine Versus Metoclopramide/Diphenhydramine for Treatment of Acute Headache in the ED: A RCT

Last updated: July 24, 2025
Sponsor: United States Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth
Overall Status: Trial Not Available

Phase

4

Condition

Chronic Pain

Lactose Intolerance

Colic

Treatment

Metoclopramide 10mg

Haloperidol

Diphenhydramine

Clinical Study ID

NCT02098499
NMCP.2012.0008
  • Ages 18-50
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

Haloperidol is known to be a safe alternative medication to control difficult pain, and has been shown effective when compared to placebo for controlling headaches. Investigators hypothesized that the combination of haloperidol and diphenhydramine would be a useful medication choice for migraine headache patients in the emergency department in comparison to a common migraine treatment regimen of metoclopramide and diphenhydramine.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

Migraine Headache must contain the following:

  • At least two: Unilateral, Throbbing, Worsening with activity, Moderate to severepain

  • At least one: Nausea or Vomiting, Photophobia or phonophobia

  • Ages 18-50

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Hypersensitivity to haloperidol, metoclopramide, and/or diphenydramine

  • History of ischemic heart disease or signs or symptoms of ischemic heart disease

  • History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)

  • History of peripheral vascular disease

  • History of uncontrolled hypertension with presenting diastolic blood pressure > 100

  • Use of an ergotamine derivatives, triptan, or dopamine-blocking anti-emetic withinthe past 24 hrs

  • Concurrent administration or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAO inhibitor

  • Concurrent management of hemiplegic or basilar migraine or known neurologic disorder

  • Severe hepatic impairment

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • History of cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer)

  • Previous involvement in the study

  • Febrile to 100.5 or greater

  • Any indication for further diagnostic evaluation of this headache such as a lumbarpuncture or CT scan.

  • Headache differs from their normal headache

Study Design

Treatment Group(s): 3
Primary Treatment: Metoclopramide 10mg
Phase: 4
Study Start date:
June 12, 2013
Estimated Completion Date:
February 11, 2015

Study Description

Investigators conducted a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial in migraine patients who presented to an academic emergency department between June 2013 and November 2013. Research data was derived from an IRB approved protocol. All subjects met IHS migraine criteria and received a one liter bolus of normal saline plus 25 milligrams (mg) of diphenhydramine. Subjects were subsequently randomized to receive 10 mg metoclopramide or 5 mg haloperidol IV. Pain was self-reported at onset and at 20 minute intervals using a 100mm visual analog scale (VAS). Adequate pain control was considered to be patient satisfaction with symptomatic relief. If adequate pain relief was not obtained after 80 minutes, rescue medication was given at the treating physician's discretion. Adverse reactions were recorded and electrocardiograms (ECGs) were obtained before and after study medication administration. Follow up phone surveys were performed 72 hours after discharge to assess headache recurrence, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction.

Connect with a study center

  • Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

    Portsmouth, Virginia 23708
    United States

    Site Not Available

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