Za Pharmacy
Drugs, Supplies and Delivery
Ondansetron
Ondansetron is a selective serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist widely used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. It is a cornerstone in the management of nausea and vomiting, particularly in oncology and postoperative settings. This article synthesizes information from the British National Formulary (BNF), Lippincott Textbook of Pharmacology, and Lange Basic & Clinical Pharmacology to provide a detailed overview of ondansetron, including its mechanism, uses, dosing, side effects, precautions, and drug interactions.
Ondansetron works by selectively blocking 5-HT3 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. By inhibiting these receptors, ondansetron:
- Prevents the stimulation of the vomiting center in the brain, reducing nausea and vomiting.
- Blocks serotonin release from enterochromaffin cells in the GI tract, which is often triggered by chemotherapy or radiation (Lippincott, Lange).
Ondansetron does not have significant effects on dopamine or muscarinic receptors, making it less likely to cause extrapyramidal side effects or sedation compared to other antiemetics (BNF).
