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Antiemetic activity of ondansetron in acute gastroenteritis
Author(s) -
CUBEDDU L. X.,
TRUJILLO L. M.,
TALMACIU I.,
GONZALEZ V.,
GUARIGUATA J.,
SEIJAS J.,
MILLER I. A.,
PASKA W.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2036.1997.97269000.x
Subject(s) - ondansetron , metoclopramide , medicine , placebo , antiemetic , vomiting , nausea , anesthesia , gastroenterology , alternative medicine , pathology
Background : The mechanism of nausea and vomiting associated with gastroenteritis is unknown. The role of 5‐HT 3 receptors in emesis associated with gastroenteritis was investigated in paediatric patients. Methods : A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study was conducted in three groups of 12 patients each, receiving either a single i.v. dose of ondansetron (0.3 mg/kg), metoclopramide (0.3 mg/kg) or placebo (sterile saline). Food was restricted and oral rehydration was administered for 4 h. Results : During 0–24 h, the number of emetic episodes experienced was significantly greater ( P =0.048) with placebo (mean=5) than ondansetron (mean=2) and the proportion of patients experiencing no emesis was significantly greater ( P =0.039) with ondansetron (58%) than placebo (17%). A numerical difference, in favour of ondansetron, was observed between ondansetron and metoclopramide groups for both of the above parameters. Fewer treatment failures were observed with ondansetron (17%) than placebo (33%) and metoclopramide (42%). More diarrheal episodes were observed in the groups receiving anti‐emetic treatment. All three treatments were well tolerated. Conclusions : Ondansetron, a 5HT 3 receptor antagonist, was significantly superior to placebo in preventing emesis associated with acute gastroenteritis, in paediatric patients. Therefore, serotonin, acting through 5HT 3 receptors, may play a role in this form of emesis.