Ondansetron induced fatal ventricular tachycardia
R Chandrakala1, C N Vijayashankara, Kushal K Kumar
1Department of Pediatrics, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Tamaka, Kolar, Karnataka, India.
Indian Journal of Pharmacology
|December 31, 2009
Summary
Ondansetron, used for nausea and vomiting, rarely caused ventricular tachycardia in a pediatric patient. This case highlights potential cardiovascular risks in children, necessitating further investigation into ondansetron
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Ondansetron is a widely used serotonin antagonist for chemotherapy and postoperative nausea and vomiting.
- While generally safe, rare cardiovascular adverse events like arrhythmias have been reported in adults.
- Adverse effects of ondansetron in pediatric populations are less documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare adverse cardiovascular event associated with ondansetron use in a pediatric patient.
- To contribute to the limited data on ondansetron's safety profile in children.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 14-year-old girl.
- Detailed clinical presentation and adverse event monitoring.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced ventricular tachycardia, a rare adverse effect of ondansetron.
- This cardiovascular event occurred despite ondansetron's established safety in many studies.
Conclusions:
- Ondansetron can rarely cause serious cardiovascular adverse events, such as ventricular tachycardia, in children.
- This case underscores the need for vigilance and further research into ondansetron's pediatric safety profile.
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