Safety of ondansetron loading doses in children with cancer

Abstract

Ondansetron-loading doses of 16 mg/m(2) (top, 24 mg) i.v. seem to be safe in infants, children, and adolescents.

Antiemetics in children receiving chemotherapy. MASCC/ESMO guideline update 2009

“…The authors concluded that an IVondansetron loading seemed to be safe in infants, children and adolescents. However, as this study was retrospective, no firm conclusion can be drawn [13].…”

“…Since the last update, two studies were published [8,13]. One study compared the antiemetic efficacy of an intravenous (IV) and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) of ondansetron in a prospective randomised fashion in 22 children [8].…”

Fatal Cardiac Arrest in 2 Children

“…[22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] Other studies reported efficacy of the drug in pediatric surgical or oncology patients. [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] One of those studies reported mild, asymptomatic QT prolongations that remained within normal limits. 31 A literature search was performed for reports of ventricular arrhythmias, fatalities, or any type of toxicity thought to be related to ondansetron in pediatric patients.…”

Acute anti-emetic withdrawal associated with a hemorrhagic cerebellar arteriovenous malformation

“…It has minimal effects on the metabolism of other drugs. 13 Although the side effects of this drug have been researched, the effects of abrupt discontinuation and possible ensuing withdrawal effects have not been thoroughly investigated. However, certain withdrawal symptoms are common to many medications and should be recognized by the clinician (Table 1).…”