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Ondansetron: a novel antiemetic agent
W D Figg1, C L Graham, L J Hak
1Drug Development Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Southern Medical Journal
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Ondansetron hydrochloride effectively prevents chemotherapy-induced emesis by blocking serotonin receptors peripherally and centrally. This antiemetic is well-tolerated and can be used alone or with other therapies for acute chemotherapy-induced emesis (CIE).
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Medical Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Chemotherapy often induces nausea and vomiting, significantly impacting patient quality of life.
- Serotonin receptor antagonists represent a novel therapeutic class for managing emesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of ondansetron hydrochloride as an antiemetic.
- To assess ondansetron's role in preventing chemotherapy-induced emesis (CIE).
Main Methods:
- Clinical trials involving patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Pharmacokinetic analysis of oral and intravenous ondansetron administration.
- Assessment of adverse events and tolerability.
Main Results:
- Ondansetron demonstrates significant efficacy in preventing acute chemotherapy-induced emesis (CIE).
- Pharmacokinetics show rapid absorption with peak plasma concentrations at 1 hour post-dose and a half-life of 3.5 hours.
- The drug is well-tolerated, with common adverse events including headache and sedation.
Conclusions:
- Ondansetron hydrochloride is an effective and well-tolerated antiemetic for acute chemotherapy-induced emesis (CIE).
- It can be administered as a single agent or in combination with standard antiemetic regimens.
- Further studies are needed to determine efficacy for delayed emesis and in radiotherapy/anesthesia-induced emesis.