Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Ear Plaster Therapy as a Safe and Effective Treatment for Gestational Vomiting
Published on: August 4, 2023
Effects of ondansetron on postoperative emesis in Chinese children
Insights
Ondansetron significantly reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in pediatric patients undergoing surgery. This study confirms ondansetron
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a frequent complication following general anesthesia.
- Ondansetron, a selective serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, is recognized for its efficacy in managing PONV.
- Limited clinical data exists on ondansetron's use for PONV prevention in Taiwan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness and safety of ondansetron in preventing PONV in pediatric patients in Taiwan.
- To evaluate ondansetron's role in managing PONV in children undergoing specific surgical procedures.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 80 pediatric patients (2-12 years) undergoing herinorrhaphy.
- Patients received either ondansetron (0.1 mg/kg) or a saline placebo intravenously.
- Data on emesis episodes and complications were collected via parental questionnaires over a 24-hour postoperative period.
Main Results:
- The incidence of postoperative emesis was substantially lower in the ondansetron group (10%) compared to the placebo group (55%).
- Emetic symptom severity was also milder in children who received ondansetron.
- No significant differences in other postoperative complications were observed between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous ondansetron at 0.1 mg/kg is a safe and effective prophylactic agent against postoperative emesis in pediatric patients undergoing herinorrhaphy.
- Findings support the use of ondansetron for PONV prevention in this specific pediatric population in Taiwan.
Background:
Postoperative nausea together with vomiting (PONV) is a common adverse effect of general anesthesia. Ondansetron, a new serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) receptor antagonist of the subtype 3 is shown to be effective and safe in the prophylaxis and treatment of PONV. However, the clinical experiences of using ondansetron for prevention of PONV is lacking in Taiwan. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ondansetron for prevention of PONV in Chinese children.
Methods:
Eighty pediatric patients aged from 2 to 12 years undergoing herinorrhaphy were prospectively randomized to receive either ondansetron 0.1 mg/kg or saline placebo. All patients received general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. The parents of patients were educated how to record the episodes of postoperative emesis and other complications and answer questions in the form of questionnaire. The observation period lasted for 24 h postoperatively.
Results:
The incidence of postoperative emesis was 55% and 10% in placebo and ondansetron group respectively. As to the severity of emetic symptoms it was milder in the ondansetron group. There was no difference in the incidence of other complications between the two groups.
Conclusions:
The intravenous administration of ondansetron 0.1 mg/kg is safe and effective in reducing postoperative emesis in Chinese children undergoing herinorrhaphy surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
