Ondansetron (HCl)

Ondansetron (HCl) is oral and parenteral antiemetic agent. Ondansetron (HCl) is the first selective serotonin blocking agent to be marketed. Ondansetron (HCl) is extremely safe and highly effective antiemetic that has greatly improved the ability to give chemotherapy. The quality of life of patients has been tremendously better with ondansetron than with older, traditional antiemetics. Despite its effectiveness, ondansetron is not recommended for the routine treatment of nausea due to its significant cost. Ondansetron was originally approved for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting by the FDA in January 1991 and tablets were approved for the treatment of post-operative nausea/vomiting in April 1995. It may have central and/or peripheral action, selectively blocks the serotonin 5-HT1 receptors. 5-HT1 receptors are found centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and peripherally at vagal nerve terminals in the intestines.

Ondansetron (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Moderately emetogenic chemotherapy or radiotherapy, Nausea and vomiting (chemotherapy induced), Post operative vomiting, Post-operative nausea, Post-operative nausea and vomiting, Prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting, Severely emetogenic chemotherapy.

Ondansetron (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Ondansetron (HCl), which give rise to further complications include Cardiac arrhythmias, Bronchospasm, Bradycardia, Angioedema, Angina, Hyperbilirubinemia. The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Ondansetron (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Fever, Dyspnea, Constipation, Abdominal pain, Chills, Hypotension, Flushing, Hiccups, Xerostomia, Vision disturbances, Reaction at injection site, Warmth sensation.

Dosage restriction is advisable in patients with moderate to severe liver impairment. Ondansetron should be used with caution during pregnancy or lactation. Care is required in the patient exhibiting hypersensitivity to other selective 5HT3 receptor antagonists and in patient with signs of subacute intestinal obstruction.

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, and Neonates. If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.

0.15 to 0.45 mg/ kg (0.3 (0.3)) 4 hourly IV — Max. Dose =32 mg. Give 30 Min. before emetogenic drugs. 8 mg (8 (8)) 8 hourly PO — Oral treatment is recommended for protection against delayed or prolonged emesis after first 24 hrs. Give upto 5 days.

4 mg (4 (4)) 2 hourly Oral — Maintenance for 5 Days 5 mg/m2 (5 (5)) As recommended. IV Infusion — Initially for 15 Min (Rec. for 5-12 Yrs)

No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

Ondansetron (HCl) is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementCarbamazepineBy concurrent use the clearance of ondansetron was significantly increased and ondansetron blood concentrations were decreased. However, on the basis of available data, no dosage adjustment for ondansetron is recommended for patients on these drugs.No dosage adjustment for ondansetron is recommended for patients on these drugs.IndacaterolBoth indacaterol and ondansetron prolong the QT intervalconsider alternate therapyPhenytoin (Na)By concurrent use the clearance of ondansetron was significantly increased and ondansetron blood concentrations were decreased. However, on the basis of available data, no dosage adjustment for ondansetron is recommended for patients on these drugs.No dosage adjustment for ondansetron is recommended for patients on these drugs.RifampicinBy concurrent use the clearance of ondansetron was significantly increased and ondansetron blood concentrations were decreased. However, on the basis of available data, no dosage adjustment for ondansetron is recommended for patients on these drugs.No dosage adjustment for ondansetron is recommended for patients on these drugs.Tramadol (HCl)post operative analgesic activity of tramadol is decreased. These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Inj (reconstituted soln) Store at room temperature. Use within 24-48 hrs if kept at room temperature. Tab, Syrup, Suppositories Store at room temperature. Protect from Sunlight.