Ramosetron Hydrochloride

Ramosetron Hydrochloride is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has a strong link with gut movement, secretion and sensation. Stress can trigger the release of serotonin, which activates the 5-HT3 receptors on the enteric nerve. This speeds up the passage of contents through the intestine and results in diarrhea. The rise in pressure inside the colon also releases serotonin, and this binds to the 5-HT3 receptor at the terminal of the afferent neuron. The result is that pain signals from the intestine travel to the central nervous system.

Ramosetron Hydrochloride selectively inhibits the 5-HT3 receptor, and this improves abnormal defecation linked to faster intestinal transit. It also improves visceral hypersensitivity by suppressing the transmission of intestinal nociception. It relieves diarrhea by opposing the effect of serotonin on the 5-HT3 receptors on the efferent nerves. In the same way, it relieves abdominal pain by opposing serotonin at the 5-HT3 receptors on the afferent nerves.

Carcinostatic drugs such as cisplatin make the enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal tract release serotonin. This serotonin binds to the 5-HT3 receptors on the afferent vagal nerve-endings in the gastrointestinal mucosa. The stimulation that follows induces emesis through the vomiting center. Ramosetron Hydrochloride is considered to act as an antiemetic by blocking these 5-HT3 receptors.