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Ondansetron, clinical development for postoperative nausea and vomiting: current studies and future directions
1Glaxo Inc. Research Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709.
Abstract:
The clinical development of ondansetron for the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting has been progressing for 5 years, and continues as new directions of research are being addressed. Large multicentre studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ondansetron in the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting, but no large comparator studies have been reported. Several studies are now being undertaken to compare ondansetron with other currently used antiemetics such as droperidol and metoclopramide, assessing efficacy, safety, pharmacoeconomic, and quality of life parameters. The majority of studies to date have been performed in gynaecological surgery patients receiving general anaesthesia--a population that experiences a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Clinical development of ondansetron is therefore progressing to establish its efficacy in a wider surgical population, including paediatrics, the elderly, non-gynaecological surgery, and as retreatment in patients with failed prophylactic antiemetic therapy.
Insights
Ondansetron effectively prevents and treats postoperative nausea and vomiting. Ongoing research compares its efficacy and safety against other antiemetics across diverse surgical populations.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common adverse effect of anesthesia.
- Ondansetron has shown efficacy in PONV prevention and treatment.
- Further research is needed to compare ondansetron with other antiemetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ondansetron in preventing and treating PONV.
- To compare ondansetron with droperidol and metoclopramide.
- To assess pharmacoeconomic and quality of life parameters.
Main Methods:
- Large multicentre studies have been conducted.
- Comparator studies are underway.
- Research includes efficacy, safety, pharmacoeconomic, and quality of life assessments.
Main Results:
- Ondansetron demonstrates efficacy in PONV prevention and treatment.
- No large comparator studies have been reported to date.
- Studies are expanding to include wider surgical populations.
Conclusions:
- Ondansetron is effective for PONV.
- Ongoing studies will provide comparative data against other antiemetics.
- Clinical development is expanding to pediatric, elderly, and non-gynecological surgery patients.