Ondansetrón Efg B. Braun (Ondansetron)

Ondansetron is employed to manage nausea and vomiting through central and peripheral pathways involving serotonin receptors.

• Chemotherapy‑induced nausea and vomiting: helps reduce the frequency and severity of episodes in cancer patients receiving cytotoxic therapy.
• Post‑operative nausea and vomiting: decreases the incidence of vomiting after surgical procedures.
• Radiotherapy‑induced nausea and vomiting: mitigates nausea associated with radiation treatment.

• Ondansetron selectively blocks the 5‑HT3 receptors located on vagal nerve terminals in the gastrointestinal tract and in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brain. By inhibiting serotonin binding, it prevents the initiation of the vomiting reflex triggered by chemotherapeutic agents, radiation, or surgical stress.

Adverse reactions to ondansetron are generally mild to moderate, but serious events can occur.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Constipation: reduced bowel movements.
• Diarrhoea: loose stools.
• Fatigue: feeling of tiredness.
• Dizziness: light‑headed sensation.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Cardiac arrhythmia: irregular heart rhythm, including QT prolongation.
• Severe allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
• Serotonin syndrome: agitation, hyperreflexia, tremor when combined with other serotonergic agents.
• Hepatic dysfunction: elevated liver enzymes.
• Hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure.

When using ondansetron, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Cardiac monitoring: assess baseline ECG in patients with known cardiac disease or electrolyte imbalance.
• Electrolyte balance: correct hypokalaemia or hypomagnesemia before administration.
• Concomitant serotonergic drugs: evaluate risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if clearly needed, weighing benefits against risks.
• Pediatric dosing: ensure dosing is weight‑based and calculated by a qualified prescriber.

Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light and avoid freezing.

Ondansetron may interact with several medications, requiring attention to the interaction severity.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

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Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

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