Ondansetron. Therapeutic use as an antiemetic

Journal Article · Sun Mar 31 23:00:00 EST 1991 · JDBP (Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics) (Baltimore); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-199141040-00006· OSTI ID:5321382

Milne, R J; Heel, R C ^[1]

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1. Adis Drug Information Services, Auckland (New Zealand)

Ondansetron (GR 38032F) is a highly selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, one of a new class of compounds which may have several therapeutic applications. Animal and clinical studies show that ondansetron reduces the 24-hour incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting induced by cytotoxic drugs, including cisplatin, and by single exposure, high dose radiation. Ondansetron is more effective than high dose metoclopramide in the 24 hours following chemotherapy, and preliminary clinical evidence suggests that it is equally effective in the following 4 days. It is also more effective than the moderate doses of metoclopramide used to suppress emesis following radiotherapy. The antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron is enhanced by dexamethasone in cisplatin-treated patients. Importantly, extrapyramidal effects have not been reported with ondansetron. Further comparisons are required with standard combination antiemetic therapy to complement the data presently available. Thus, ondansetron is a promising new agent for prophylaxis against nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It may be particularly useful in young and elderly patients who are more susceptible to extrapyramidal symptoms induced by high dose metoclopramide. With its improved tolerability and clinical response profiles, ondansetron represents an important advance in a difficult area of therapeutics. 101 refs.

• OSTI ID: 5321382
• Journal Information: JDBP (Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics) (Baltimore); (United States), Journal Name: JDBP (Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics) (Baltimore); (United States) Vol. 41:4; ISSN JDBPD; ISSN 0012-6667
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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