Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of most cytotoxic agents, cisplatin being the most emetogemc, All patients given high doses of cisplatin will vomit in the 24 hour following its administration unless antiemetics are given. However,
none
of
the currently available antiemetics are entirely effective. Ondanstron is a new selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist which has been shown to be effective in preventing acute emesis induced by a variety of chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens.
We gave ondansetron to 20 gynecological cancer patients who were receiving cisplatin containing combination chemotherapy. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of ondansetron in preventing nausea and vomiting induced by cisplatin
containing
regimen, and related side effects. Primary neoplasms were as following; ovarina carcinomas 11, cervical carcinomas 8, and vaginal carcinoma 1. Cyclophosphamide and/or adrimaycin were combined with cisplatin(50mg/M*).
Ondansetron at a dose of 8mg(4ml) was given as a slow intravenous injection prior to the administration of cisplatin, and then given as two further 8mg doses as slow intravenous injections 4 and 8 hours after the start of first dose. On day 2,
ondansetron was given as a slow intravenous injection at a dose of 8mg twice daily, and during day 3-6, given orally by 8mg twice. On day 1, nausea was controlled in 55% of patients(none 30%, mild 25%), and vomiting controlled in 60%(complete
40%,
major20%). On day 2-6, vomiting was controlled in 45% of patients(complete 20%, major 25%).
Ondansetron related side effects were mild with general weakness 20%, headache 15%, abdominal pain 10%,dizziness 10%, dizziness 5%, flushing 5%, anxiety 5% and palpitation 5%.
The results showed that ondansetron is effective on control of cisplatin induced nausea and vomiting, and can be adminstered safely with minimal side effects, but prolonged intravenous injection of ondansetron is recommended in patients with
delayed
emesis.
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