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Ondansetron Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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Special Alerts

Ongoing Safety Review Regarding Risk of QT prolongation

September 2011

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified healthcare professionals and patients of the ongoing review and risk of QT prolongation, including the development of torsades de pointes, associated with ondansetron use. Those most at risk include patients with underlying cardiac conditions (eg. congenital long QT syndrome), electrolyte abnormalities (eg hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia), and concomitant use of other QT-prolonging medications.

The FDA is requiring GlaxoSmithKline (manufacturer of Zofran®) to conduct an in-depth study on the effects of ondansetron on the QT interval. Results of this study are expected in mid-2012. In the interim, the Zofran® prescribing information will be updated to include additional warnings (including avoiding use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome) and monitoring requirements for the use of ondansetron in patients considered at risk for QT prolongation.

Further information may be found at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm271913.htm

Pronunciation

(on DAN se tron)

Generic Available (U.S.)

Yes: Excludes oral soluble film

Index Terms

  • GR38032R
  • Ondansetron Hydrochloride
  • Zuplenz®

Brand Names: U.S.

  • Zofran®
  • Zofran® ODT
  • Zuplenz®

Brand Names: Canada

  • Apo-Ondansetron®
  • CO Ondansetron
  • Dom-Ondansetron
  • JAMP-Ondansetron
  • Mint-Ondansetron
  • Mylan-Ondansetron
  • Ondansetron Injection
  • Ondansetron Injection USP
  • Ondansetron-Odan
  • Ondansetron-Omega
  • PHL-Ondansetron
  • PMS-Ondansetron
  • RAN™-Ondansetron
  • ratio-Ondansetron
  • Sandoz-Ondansetron
  • Teva-Ondansetron
  • Zofran®
  • Zofran® ODT
  • ZYM-Ondansetron

Pharmacologic Category

  • Antiemetic
  • Selective 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonist

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonist

Use: Labeled Indications

Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with moderately- to highly-emetogenic cancer chemotherapy; radiotherapy; prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV); treatment of PONV if no prophylactic dose of ondansetron received

Use: Unlabeled

Hyperemesis gravidarum; breakthrough treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy

Pregnancy Risk Factor

B

Pregnancy Considerations

Teratogenic effects were not observed in animal studies; however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use of ondansetron for the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) has been evaluated. Additional studies are needed to determine safety to the fetus, particularly during the first trimester. Based on preliminary data, use is generally reserved for severe NVP (hyperemesis gravidarum) or when conventional treatments are not effective.

Lactation

Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to ondansetron, other selective 5-HT3 antagonists, or any component of the formulation; concomitant use of apomorphine

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Allergic reactions: Use with caution in patients allergic to other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists; cross-reactivity has been reported.

• ECG effects: Selective 5-HT3 antagonists, including ondansetron, have been associated with a number of dose-dependent increases in ECG intervals (eg, PR, QRS duration, QT/QTc, JT), usually occurring 1-2 hours after I.V. administration. In general, these changes are not clinically relevant, however, when used in conjunction with other agents that prolong these intervals, arrhythmia may occur. When used with agents that prolong the QT interval (eg, Class I and III antiarrhythmics), clinically relevant QT interval prolongation may occur resulting in torsade de pointes. A number of trials have shown that 5-HT3 antagonists produce QT interval prolongation to variable degrees. Use with caution in patients at risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmia. Reduction in heart rate may also occur with the 5-HT3 antagonists. I.V. formulations of 5-HT3 antagonists have more association with ECG interval changes, compared to oral formulations.

Disease-related concerns:

• Hepatic impairment: Dose recommendations provided for patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C); use with caution in mild-moderate hepatic impairment; clearance is decreased and half-life increased in hepatic impairment.

• Long QT syndrome: Use with caution in patients with congenital long QT syndrome or other risk factors for QT prolongation (eg, medications known to prolong QT interval, electrolyte abnormalities [hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia], and cumulative high-dose anthracycline therapy).

Dosage form specific issues:

• Phenylalanine: Orally-disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Chemotherapy-related emesis: For chemotherapy, should be used on a scheduled basis, not on an “as needed” (PRN) basis, since data support the use of this drug only in the prevention of nausea and vomiting (due to antineoplastic therapy) and not in the rescue of nausea and vomiting. Should only be used in the first 24-48 hours of chemotherapy. Data does not support any increased efficacy in delayed nausea and vomiting.

• Ileus or gastric distention: Does not stimulate gastric or intestinal peristalsis; may mask progressive ileus and/or gastric distension.

Adverse Reactions

Note: Percentages reported in adult patients.

>10%:

Central nervous system: Headache (9% to 27%), malaise/fatigue (9% to 13%)

Gastrointestinal: Constipation (6% to 11%)

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Drowsiness (8%), fever (2% to 8%), dizziness (4% to 7%), anxiety (6%), cold sensation (2%)

Dermatologic: Pruritus (2% to 5%), rash (1%)

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (2% to 7%)

Genitourinary: Gynecological disorder (7%), urinary retention (5%)

Hepatic: ALT increased (1% to 5%), AST increased (1% to 5%)

Local: Injection site reaction (4%; pain, redness, burning)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Paresthesia (2%)

Respiratory: Hypoxia (9%)

<1%: Anaphylaxis, angina, bronchospasm, ECG changes, extrapyramidal symptoms, grand mal seizure, hypokalemia, hypotension, tachycardia, vascular occlusive events

Postmarketing and/or case reports: Abnormal hepatic function, anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema, arrhythmia, arthralgia, atrial fibrillation, AV block, blindness (transient/following infusion; lasting ≤48 hours), blurred vision (transient/following infusion), bradycardia, cardiopulmonary arrest, chest discomfort, chills, dyspnea, dystonic reaction, electrocardiographic alterations (second-degree heart block and ST-segment depression), flushing, hepatic failure, hepatic necrosis, hepatitis, hiccups, hyperhidrosis, hypersensitivity reaction, jaundice, laryngeal edema, laryngospasm, lethargy, oculogyric crisis, palpitation, premature ventricular contractions (PVC), QT interval increased, shock, shortness of breath, stridor, supraventricular tachycardia, syncope, torsade de pointes, urticaria, ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Substrate of CYP1A2 (minor), CYP2C9 (minor), CYP2D6 (minor), CYP2E1 (minor), CYP3A4 (major), P-glycoprotein; Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential; Inhibits CYP1A2 (weak), CYP2C9 (weak), CYP2D6 (weak)

Drug Interactions

Alfuzosin: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Apomorphine: Antiemetics (5HT3 Antagonists) may enhance the hypotensive effect of Apomorphine. Risk X: Avoid combination

ARIPiprazole: CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of ARIPiprazole. Management: Monitor for increased aripiprazole pharmacologic effects. Aripiprazole dose adjustments may or may not be required based on concomitant therapy and/or indication. Consult product labeling for specific recommendations. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Artemether: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

Chloroquine: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ciprofloxacin: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ciprofloxacin (Systemic): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Conivaptan: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Low risk). Risk C: Monitor therapy

CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): May increase the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cyproterone: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP1A2 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cyproterone: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP2E1 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Deferasirox: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Dronedarone: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Dronedarone. Risk X: Avoid combination

Gadobutrol: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Indacaterol: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Lumefantrine: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

Mifepristone: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Management: Avoid use of mifepristone for treatment of hyperglycemia in Cushing's syndrome in patients receiving QT interval prolonging agents. Avoid initiation of QT prolonging agents for 2 weeks following mifepristone discontinuation. Risk X: Avoid combination

Nilotinib: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

Peginterferon Alfa-2b: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inducers: May decrease the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates. P-glycoprotein inducers may also further limit the distribution of p-glycoprotein substrates to specific cells/tissues/organs where p-glycoprotein is present in large amounts (e.g., brain, T-lymphocytes, testes, etc.). Risk C: Monitor therapy

P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors: May increase the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates. P-glycoprotein inhibitors may also enhance the distribution of p-glycoprotein substrates to specific cells/tissues/organs where p-glycoprotein is present in large amounts (e.g., brain, T-lymphocytes, testes, etc.). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Pimozide: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Pimozide. Risk X: Avoid combination

QTc-Prolonging Agents: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other QTc-Prolonging Agents. Their effects can be additive, causing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

QUEtiapine: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

QuiNINE: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QuiNINE. QuiNINE may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

Rifamycin Derivatives: May increase the metabolism of Antiemetics (5HT3 Antagonists). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Tetrabenazine: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Tetrabenazine. Risk X: Avoid combination

Thioridazine: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Thioridazine. Risk X: Avoid combination

Tocilizumab: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Toremifene: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Toremifene. The risk for potentially dangerous arrhythmias may be increased. Risk X: Avoid combination

Vandetanib: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Vandetanib. Risk X: Avoid combination

Vemurafenib: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Vemurafenib. Risk X: Avoid combination

Ziprasidone: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Ziprasidone. The risk of a severe arrhythmia may be increased. Risk X: Avoid combination

Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions

Food: Tablet: Food slightly increases the extent of absorption.

Herb/Nutraceutical: St John's wort may decrease ondansetron levels.

Storage

Oral soluble film: Store between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). Store pouches in cartons; keep film in individual pouch until ready to use.

Oral solution: Store between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Protect from light.

Premixed bag: Store between 2°C and 30°C (36°F and 86°F). Protect from light.

Tablet: Store between 2°C and 30°C (36°F and 86°F).

Vial: Store between 2°C and 30°C (36°F and 86°F). Protect from light. Stable when mixed in D5W or NS for 48 hours at room temperature.

Reconstitution

Prior to I.V. infusion, dilute in 50 mL D5W or NS.

Compatibility

Stable in D51/2NS, D5NS, D5W, mannitol 10%, LR, NS; do not mix injection with alkaline solutions.

Y-site administration: Compatible: Aldesleukin, amifostine, amikacin, azithromycin, aztreonam, bleomycin, carboplatin, carmustine, caspofungin, cefazolin, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, chlorpromazine, cimetidine, cisatracurium, cisplatin, cladribine, clindamycin, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, dacarbazine, dactinomycin, daunorubicin, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, dexmedetomidine, diphenhydramine, docetaxel, dopamine, doripenem, doxorubicin, doxorubicin liposome, doxycycline, droperidol, etoposide, etoposide phosphate, famotidine, fenoldopam, filgrastim, floxuridine, fluconazole, fludarabine, gallium nitrate, gemcitabine, gentamicin, haloperidol, heparin, hetastarch in lactate electrolyte injection (Hextend®), hydrocortisone sodium phosphate, hydrocortisone sodium succinate, hydromorphone, hydroxyzine, ifosfamide, imipenem/cilastatin, linezolid, magnesium sulfate, mannitol, mechlorethamine, melphalan, meperidine, mesna, methotrexate, metoclopramide, mitomycin, mitoxantrone, morphine, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, paclitaxel with ranitidine, pentostatin, piperacillin/tazobactam, potassium chloride, prochlorperazine edisylate, promethazine, ranitidine, remifentanil, sodium acetate, streptozocin, telavancin, teniposide, thiotepa, ticarcillin/clavulanate, topotecan, vancomycin, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, zidovudine. Incompatible: Acyclovir, allopurinol, aminophylline, amphotericin B, amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate complex, ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, amsacrine, cefepime, furosemide, ganciclovir, lorazepam, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, micafungin, pemetrexed, sargramostim, sodium bicarbonate. Variable (consult detailed reference): Cyclosporine, fluorouracil, fosaprepitant, meropenem, piperacillin.

Compatibility in syringe: Compatible: Alfentanil, atropine, fentanyl, glycopyrrolate, meperidine, metoclopramide, midazolam, morphine, naloxone, neostigmine, propofol. Incompatible: Phenytoin. Variable (consult detailed reference): Dexamethasone sodium phosphate, droperidol.

Mechanism of Action

Selective 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, blocking serotonin, both peripherally on vagal nerve terminals and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Onset of action: ~30 minutes

Absorption: Oral: Well absorbed from GI tract

Distribution: Vd: Children: 1.7-3.7 L/kg; Adults: 2.2-2.5 L/kg

Protein binding, plasma: 70% to 76%

Metabolism: Extensively hepatic via hydroxylation, followed by glucuronide or sulfate conjugation; CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 substrate; some demethylation occurs

Bioavailability: Oral: 56% to 71% (some first pass metabolism); Rectal: 58% to 74%

Half-life elimination: Children <15 years: 2-7 hours; Adults: 3-6 hours

Mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classes A and B): Adults: 12 hours

Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C): Adults: 20 hours

Time to peak: Oral: ~2 hours; Oral soluble film: ~1 hour

Excretion: Urine (44% to 60% as metabolites, ~5% as unchanged drug); feces (~25%)

Dosage

Children:

I.V.: Note: Premixed injection not for use in children.

Prevention of chemotherapy-induced emesis: 6 months to 18 years: 0.15 mg/kg/dose administered 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy, 4 and 8 hours after the first dose or 0.45 mg/kg/day as a single dose

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: 1 month to 12 years:

≤40 kg: 0.1 mg/kg as a single dose

>40 kg: 4 mg as a single dose

Oral: Prevention of moderately-emetogenic chemotherapy-induced emesis:

4-11 years: 4 mg 30 minutes before chemotherapy; repeat 4 and 8 hours after initial dose, then 4 mg every 8 hours for 1-2 days after chemotherapy completed

≥12 years: Refer to adult dosing.

Adults:

I.V.:

Prevention of chemotherapy-induced emesis:

0.15 mg/kg 3 times/day beginning 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy or

0.45 mg/kg once daily or

8-10 mg 1-2 times/day or

24 mg or 32 mg once daily

Treatment of hyperemesis gravidum (unlabeled use): 8 mg administered over 15 minutes every 12 hours or 1 mg/hour infused continuously for up to 24 hours

I.M., I.V.: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV): 4 mg as a single dose approximately 30 minutes before the end of anesthesia (see Note below) or as treatment if vomiting occurs after surgery (Gan, 2007).

Note: The manufacturer recommends administration immediately before induction of anesthesia; however, this has been shown not to be as effective as administration at the end of surgery (Sun, 1997). Repeat doses given in response to inadequate control of nausea/vomiting from preoperative doses are generally ineffective.

Oral:

Chemotherapy-induced emesis prophylaxis:

Highly-emetogenic agents/single-day therapy: 24 mg given 30 minutes prior to the start of therapy

Moderately-emetogenic agents: 8 mg beginning 30 minutes before chemotherapy; repeat dose 8 hours after initial dose, then 8 mg every 12 hours for 1-2 days after chemotherapy completed

Radiation-induced nausea and vomiting prophylaxis:

Total body irradiation: 8 mg 1-2 hours before daily each fraction of radiotherapy

Single high-dose fraction radiotherapy to abdomen: 8 mg 1-2 hours before irradiation, then 8 mg every 8 hours after first dose for 1-2 days after completion of radiotherapy

Daily fractionated radiotherapy to abdomen: 8 mg 1-2 hours before irradiation, then 8 mg 8 hours after first dose for each day of radiotherapy

Postoperative nausea and vomiting: 16 mg given 1 hour prior to induction of anesthesia

Treatment of hyperemesis gravidum (unlabeled use): 8 mg every 12 hours

Elderly: No dosing adjustment required

Dosage adjustment in renal impairment: No dosing adjustment required

Dosage adjustment in hepatic impairment: Severe liver disease (Child-Pugh C): Maximum daily dose: 8 mg

Administration: Oral

Oral dosage forms should be given 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy; 1-2 hours before radiotherapy; 1 hour prior to the induction of anesthesia.

Orally-disintegrating tablets: Do not remove from blister until needed. Peel backing off the blister, do not push tablet through. Using dry hands, place tablet on tongue and allow to dissolve. Swallow with saliva.

Oral soluble film: Do not remove from pouch until immediately before use. Using dry hands, place film on top of tongue and allow to dissolve (4-20 seconds). Swallow with or without liquid. If using more than one film, each film should be allowed to dissolve completely before administering the next film.

Administration: I.M.

Should be given undiluted.

Administration: I.V.

IVPB: Dilute in 50 mL D5W or NS. Infuse over 15-30 minutes; 24-hour continuous infusions have been reported, but are rarely used.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: Give first dose 30 minutes prior to beginning chemotherapy.

I.V. push: Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: Single doses may be administered I.V. injection over 2-5 minutes as undiluted solution.

Administration: I.V. Detail

pH: 3-4

Monitoring Parameters

Closely monitor patients <4 months of age

Dietary Considerations

Take without regard to meals. Some products may contain phenylalanine.

Patient Education

This drug is given to prevent nausea and vomiting. Zuplenz (oral film): Place film on top of tongue and allow to dissolve. May swallow with or without liquid. Allow one film to dissolve before using another. If this medication is given by intravenous infusion you will be monitored during infusion. Report immediately any chest pain, respiratory difficulty, or pain or itching at infusion site. May cause headache, drowsiness, or dizziness. Report chest pain or palpitations, persistent headache, excessive drowsiness, fever, constipation, or diarrhea. Orally-disintegrating tablets: Using dry hands, place tablet on tongue and allow to dissolve. Swallow with saliva.

Geriatric Considerations

Elderly have a slightly decreased hepatic clearance rate. This does not, however, require a dose adjustment.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Dental Comment

Ondansetron is a safer alternative than phenothiazines (ie, promethazine) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe postoperative nausea and vomiting. The cost can be a limitation.

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

May cause dizziness

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

Barbiturates and carbamazepine may increase the metabolism of ondansetron; monitor for diminished effects

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Assess allergy history (selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists) prior to administering. Use with caution in presence of, or potential for, cardiac conduction abnormalities (eg, QT prolongation, medication known to prolong QT interval, electrolyte abnormalities). Oral and I.V. doses have different schedules and should not be administered on "PRN" basis.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Film, soluble, oral:

Zuplenz®: 4 mg (10s); 8 mg (10s) [peppermint flavor]

Infusion, premixed in D5W [preservative free]: 32 mg (50 mL)

Zofran®: 32 mg (50 mL)

Infusion, premixed in NS [preservative free]: 32 mg (50 mL)

Injection, solution: 2 mg/mL (2 mL, 20 mL)

Zofran®: 2 mg/mL (20 mL)

Injection, solution [preservative free]: 2 mg/mL (2 mL)

Solution, oral: 4 mg/5 mL (5 mL, 50 mL)

Zofran®: 4 mg/5 mL (50 mL) [contains sodium benzoate; strawberry flavor]

Tablet, oral: 4 mg, 8 mg, 24 mg [DSC]

Zofran®: 4 mg, 8 mg

Tablet, orally disintegrating, oral: 4 mg, 8 mg

Zofran® ODT: 4 mg, 8 mg [contains phenylalanine <0.03 mg/tablet; strawberry flavor]

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Tablet, orally-disintegrating (Ondansetron)

4 mg (30): $52.99

8 mg (30): $40.99

Tablet, orally-disintegrating (Zofran ODT)

4 mg (30): $659.95

8 mg (10): $415.97

Tablets (Ondansetron HCl)

8 mg (30): $39.99

Tablets (Zofran)

4 mg (10): $245.00

8 mg (30): $1169.91

Extemporaneously Prepared

Note: Commercial oral solution is available (0.8 mg/mL)

If commercial oral solution is unavailable, a 0.8 mg/mL syrup may be made with ondansetron tablets, Ora-Plus® (Paddock), and any of the the following syrups: Cherry syrup USP, Syrpalta® (HUMCO), Ora-Sweet® (Paddock), or Ora-Sweet® Sugar-Free (Paddock). Crush ten 8 mg tablets in a mortar and reduce to a fine powder (flaking of the tablet coating occurs). Add 50 mL Ora-Plus® in 5 mL increments, mixing thoroughly; mix while adding the chosen syrup in incremental proportions to almost 100 mL; transfer to a calibrated bottle, rinse mortar with syrup, and add sufficient quantity of syrup to make 100 mL. Label "shake well" and "refrigerate". Stable for 42 days refrigerated (Trissel, 1996).

Rectal suppositories: Calibrate a suppository mold for the base being used. Determine the displacement factor (DF) for ondansetron for the base being used (Fattibase® = 1.1; Polybase® = 0.6). Weigh the ondansetron tablet(s). Divide the tablet weight by the DF; this result is the weight of base displaced by the drug. Subtract the weight of base displaced from the calculated weight of base required for each suppository. Grind the ondansetron tablets in a mortar and reduce to a fine powder. Weigh out the appropriate weight of suppository base. Melt the base over a water bath (<55°C). Add the ondansetron powder to the suppository base and mix well. Pour the mixture into the suppository mold and cool. Stable for at least 30 days refrigerated (Tenjarla, 1998).

Tenjarla SN, Ward ES, and Fox JL, "Ondansetron Suppositories: Extemporaneous Preparation, Drug Release, Stability and Flux Through Rabbit Rectal Membrane," Int J Pharm Compound, 1998, 2(1):83-8.

Trissel LA, Trissel's Stability of Compounded Formulations, Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.

References

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) Practice Bulletin: “Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy,” Obstet Gynecol, 2004, 103(4):803-14.

Chaffee BJ and Tankanow RM, “Ondansetron - the First of a New Class of Antiemetic Agents,” Clin Pharm, 1991, 10(6):430-6.

Gan TJ, Meyer TA, Apfel CC, et al, "Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia Guidelines for the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting," Anesth Analg, 2007, 105(6):1615-28.

Kris MG, Hesketh PJ, Somerfield MR, et al, “American Society of Clinical Oncology Guideline for Antiemetics in Oncology: Update 2006,” J Clin Oncol, 2006, 24(18):2932-47.

Levichek Z, Atanackovic G, Oepkes D, et al, “Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. Evidence-Based Treatment Algorithm,” Can Fam Physician, 2002, 48:267-8, 277.

Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), “Antiemetic Guidelines,” Updated April 2010. Available at http://data.memberclicks.com/site/mascc/MASCC_Guidelines_English_2010.pdf

National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN), “Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™: Antiemesis,” Version 2.2010. Available at http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/antiemesis.pdf

Navari RM and Koeller JM, “Electrocardiographic and Cardiovascular Effects of the 5-Hydroxytryptamine3 Receptor Antagonists,” Ann Pharmacother, 2003, 37(9):1276-86.

Roila F and Del Favero A, “Ondansetron Clinical Pharmacokinetics,” Clin Pharmacokinet, 1995, 29(2):95-109.

Siu SS, Yip SK, Cheung CW, et al, “Treatment of Intractable Hyperemesis Gravidarum by Ondansetron,” Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2002, 105(1):73-4.

Sun R, Klein KW, and White PF, "The Effect of Timing of Ondansetron Administration in Outpatients Undergoing Otolaryngologic Surgery," Anesth Analg, 1997, 84(2):331-6.

Tramer MR, Moore RA, Reynolds DJ, et al, “A Quantitative Systematic Review of Ondansetron in Treatment of Established Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting,” BMJ, 1997, 314(7087):1088-92.

Wilde MI and Markham A, “Ondansetron. A Review of Its Pharmacology and Preliminary Clinical Findings in Novel Application,” Drugs, 1996, 52(5):773-94.

International Brand Names

  • Avessa (LU)
  • Cedantron (ID)
  • Cetron (AR)
  • Danac (MX)
  • Dantron (TH, ZA)
  • Danzetron (AU)
  • Emeset (IN)
  • Emetron (HU)
  • Emistop (PH)
  • Emodan (PH)
  • Frazon (ID)
  • Invomit (ID)
  • Izofran (CN, UY)
  • Lartron (MX)
  • Modifical (CO)
  • Narfoz (ID)
  • Nausedron (BR)
  • Nozuca (PH)
  • Ondak (CO)
  • Ondant (KP)
  • Ondavell (ID)
  • Ondaz (AU)
  • Onetic (ID)
  • Onset-8 (PH)
  • Onsetron (KP)
  • Onsia (TH)
  • Onzod (TW)
  • Osetron (AU)
  • Setronax (HK, MY, SG)
  • Vomceran (ID)
  • Vometron (ID)
  • Vomiof (IN)
  • Vomiz (TW)
  • Zetron (TH)
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  • Zofran Zydis (CR, DO, GT, KP, NI, NZ, PA, SV, TH)
  • Zofron (GR)
  • Zophren (FR)

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Last full review/revision March 2012

Content last modified March 2012

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