Ondansetron to prevent vomiting after cancer chemotherapy
Article Abstract:
The drug ondansetron was recently approved to prevent the side effects of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. Other antiemetics, or agents that prevent vomiting, which have been used for this purpose include metoclopramide, marijuana, nabilone, prochlorperazine, corticosteroids, and lorazepam. Ondansetron acts by preventing the actions of serotonin, a naturally occurring substance that constricts blood vessels and is involved in nerve-related mechanisms associated with sleep and sensory perception. This drug counteracts the effects of serotonin on nerves that stimulate the gastrointestinal system and the chemoreceptor trigger zone, which initiates vomiting. Ondansetron is broken down in the liver, and excreted in the urine. Fifty percent of the given dose is eliminated from the body within 3.5 hours. The drug remains in the body for longer periods in the elderly and in patients with impaired liver function. Ondansetron was shown to be more effective than metoclopramide in preventing vomiting on the first day of cancer chemotherapy. Combined use of ondansetron and dexamethasone was more effective than ondansetron alone in preventing vomiting. The most common side effects of treatment with ondansetron are diarrhea and headache, although other adverse effects, such as constipation, rash, lightheadedness, increased activity of the enzyme aminotransferase, dry mouth, airway constriction, and mild sedation, have also been reported. Factors that alter liver enzyme activity may affect the metabolism of ondansetron by the liver. The recommended dosage and cost of ondansetron are provided. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1991
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Dolasetron for prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy
Article Abstract:
Dolasetron is being marketed by Hoechst Marion Roussel as Anzemet to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, and is about as effective as the other drugs currently available for the same purpose. The FDA has also approved its use for similar symptoms as a result of surgery. In effectiveness, dolasetron seems to be about as good, but no improvement over the existing drugs. They are Glaxo Wellcome's ondansetron, which is marketed at Zofran, and SmithKline Beecham's Granisetron, sold under the brand name Kytril.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1998
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Aprepitant (Emend) for prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy
Article Abstract:
Clinical testing shows that aprepitant (Emend) when included with the standard antiemetics used in cancer chemotherapy lowers the incidence of both acute and delayed nausea and vomiting caused by highly emetogenic drugs such as cisplatin. It is yet to be approved by FDA but is now available for oral use with corticosteroids and selective serotonin receptor antagonists.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2003
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