Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Author Spotlight: Alleviating Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy with Safe and Effective Auricular Acupuncture
Published on: August 4, 2023
Intestinal obstruction in pregnancy by ondansetron
Rana Cohen1, Meital Shlomo1, Dorit Nahlieli Dil2
1Motherisk Israel, Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Background:
Ondansetron use for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy has increased in the last years, although its maternal and fetal safety is not conclusive.
Case:
We describe a case of intestinal obstruction in a pregnant woman with severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy treated with ondansetron, which is known to slow gut motility.
Conclusion:
The spontaneous reporting system of WHO confirms that this potentially life threatening complication is more common than what the peer review literature may suggest and needs to be looked into carefully, especially in view of the wide spread off-label use for NVP.
Related Concept Videos
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management

