Indications
Vomisal is a serotonin subtype 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist. It is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, whether given as an initial or repeat course, to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting occurring after surgery, and to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by radiotherapy.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Ondansetron is a potent, highly selective 5HT3 receptor antagonist. Its precise mode of action in controlling nausea and vomiting is not known. Chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy can trigger the release of 5HT in the small intestine, which starts a vomiting reflex by activating vagal afferents through 5HT3 receptors; ondansetron blocks this reflex from starting. Activation of vagal afferents may also release 5HT in the area postrema, a region on the floor of the fourth ventricle, which can further promote vomiting through a central mechanism. Ondansetron's effect in managing nausea and vomiting caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiotherapy is therefore thought to result from its blocking of 5HT3 receptors on neurons in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. How it works in post operative nausea and vomiting is not known, though it may share common pathways with chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Ondansetron did not cause cancer in 2-year studies in rats and mice, using oral doses as high as 10 and 30 mg/kg per day respectively, and it showed no mutagenic effect in standard genetic toxicity tests. Oral doses up to 15 mg/kg per day did not affect fertility or overall reproductive performance in male and female rats.
Reproduction studies in pregnant rats and rabbits, using daily oral doses of up to 15 and 30 mg/kg per day respectively, found no evidence that Ondansetron impaired fertility or harmed the developing fetus. However, no adequate, well-controlled studies have been conducted in pregnant women. Ondansetron does pass into the breast milk of rats, so it should be used with caution in nursing mothers.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.
Side Effects & Interactions
Side Effects
No side-effect data recorded yet.