Generic: Ondansetron  |  Dosage Form: Oral Solution  |  Manufacturer: UniMed UniHealth Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Indications

Ondansetron is a serotonin subtype 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist indicated:

• Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy.
• Prevention and treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting.
• Prevention of radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Dosage & Administration

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting-
Adults, Pediatric patients (6 months to 18 years):

• 8 mg tablet/orodispersible tablet: Three 0.15 mg/kg doses, up to a maximum of 16 mg per dose.
• 4 mg orodispersible tablet: Three 0.15 mg/kg doses, up to a maximum of 16 mg per dose.
• Injection: Three 0.15 mg/kg doses, up to a maximum of 16 mg per dose, infused intravenously over 15 minutes.

Radiotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting-
Adults:

• 8 mg tablet/orodispersible tablet: Initial Dose: 8 mg orally 1 to 2 hours before radiotherapy. Post Radiotherapy: 8 mg orally every 8 hours for up to 5 days after a course of treatment.
• 4 mg orodispersible tablet: Three 0.15 mg/kg doses, up to a maximum of 16 mg per dose.
• Injection: Three 0.15 mg/kg doses, up to a maximum of 16 mg per dose, infused intravenously over 15 minutes.

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting-
Adults:

• 8 mg tablet/orodispersible tablet: 16 mg given as two 8 mg tablets
• 4 mg orodispersible tablet: 16 mg
• Injection: 4 mg

Pediatrics (>40 kg): Injection: 4 mg
Pediatrics (40 kg): Injection: 0.1 mg/kg

Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting-
Adults/Geriatric/Child of 12 years or over:

• Highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy: 30 ml (24 mg) Ondansetron Oral Solution administered 30 minutes before start of emetogenic chemotherapy.
• Moderate emetogenic cancer chemotherapy: 10 ml (8 mg) Ondansetron Oral Solution administered 30 minutes before start of emetogenic chemotherapy. A further 10 ml dose should be administered after 8 hours of the first dose. One 10 ml dose should be administered twice a day (every 12 hours) for 1-2 days after completion of chemotherapy.

Pediatric (4-11 years): 5 ml (4 mg) Ondansetron Oral Solution should be taken 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy. The other 2 doses should be taken 4 and 8 hours after the first dose. Then 5 ml oral solution should be administered 3 times a day (every 8 hours) for 1-2 days after completion of chemotherapy.

Oral solution:

Radiotherapy induced Nausea and Vomiting (Adults/Geriatric/Child of 12 years or over):

• The recommended oral dosage: 10 ml (8 mg) Ondansetron Oral Solution 3 times daily.
• For total body irradiation: 10 ml (8-mg) Ondansetron Oral Solution should be administered 1 to 2 hours before each fraction of radiotherapy administered each day.
• For single high-dose fraction radiotherapy to the abdomen: one 10 ml Ondansetron Oral Solution should be administered 1 to 2 hours before radiotherapy, with subsequent doses every 8 hours after the first dose for 1 to 2 days after completion of radiotherapy.
• For daily fractionated radiotherapy to the abdomen: 10 ml (8-mg) Ondansetron Oral Solution should be administered 1 to 2 hours before radiotherapy, with subsequent doses every 8 hours after the first dose for each day radiotherapy is given.

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (Adults/Geriatric/Child of 12 years or over):

• 20 ml (16 mg) Ondansetron Oral Solution 1 hour before induction of anesthesia

Oral Soluble Film:

Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy:

• Adult oral dose: 24 mg given successively as three 8 mg films 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy.

Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy:

• Adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older: One 8 mg film 30 minutes before chemotherapy followed by an 8 mg dose 8 hours later. Administer one 8 mg film twice a day (every 12 hours) for 1 to 2 days after completion of chemotherapy.
• Pediatric patients 4 through 11 years of age: One 4 mg film three times a day. Administer the first dose 30 minutes before chemotherapy, with subsequent doses 4 and 8 hours later. Administer one 4 mg film three times a day (every 8 hours) for 1 to 2 days after completion of chemotherapy.
• Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with radiotherapy: The adult dosage is one 8 mg film three times a day.
• Postoperative nausea and vomiting: The adult dose is 16 mg given successively as two 8 mg films 1 hour before anesthesia.

Interaction

Ondansetron does not itself appear to induce or inhibit the cytochrome P-450 drug-metabolizing enzyme system of the liver. Because Ondansetron is metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P-450 drug-metabolizing enzymes, inducers or inhibitors of these enzymes may change the clearance and hence, the half-life of Ondansetron. On the basis of available data, no dosage adjustment of Ondasetron is recommended for patients on these drugs.

Contraindications

Contraindicated in patients known to have hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components. Concomitant use of apomorphine.

Side Effects

Frequently reported adverse events were headache, constipation and diarrhea, but the majority have been mild or moderate in nature. In chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, rash has occurred in approximately 1% of patients receiving Ondansetron. There also have been reports to a sensation of flushing or warmth, hiccups and liver enzyme abnormalities. Rare cases of anaphylaxis, brochospasm, tachycardia, angina (chest pain), hypokalemia, shortness of breath have also been reported, except for bronchospasm and anaphylaxis, the relationship to Ondansetron is unclear. There have been no evidence to extrapyramidal reactions, in rare case oculogyric crisis appearing alone, as well as with other dystonic reactions without definitive clinical evidence. In case of PONV, with the exception of headache, rates of these events were not significantly different in the Ondansetron and placebo groups.

Precautions & Warnings

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity to other selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Ondansetron is not a drug that stimulates gastric or intestinal peristalsis. It should not be used instead of nasogastric suction. The use of Ondansetron in patients following abdominal surgery or in patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting may mask a progressive ileus and/or gastric distension.

Therapeutic Class

Anti-emetic drugs

Storage Conditions

Store at temperature not exceeding 30ºC in a dry place. Protect from light and moisture.