Closing Remarks: Ondansetron: Effects on Gastrointestinal Motility

Abstract

Ondansetron (GR 38032F), a 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT₃) receptor antagonist, is a highly effective and safe drug for the prophylaxis and treatment of emesis induced by various chemotherapy regimens in cancer patients. Recent studies have shown that Ondansetron is also effective in post-anaesthesia and radiation-induced nausea and vomiting. When compared with high-dose metoclopramide, Ondansetron appeared to be superior. Furthermore, Ondansetron has been shown to improve stool consistency and to reduce stool frequency in patients with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Key Words:

• Chemotherapy
• cisplatin
• emesis
• 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonist
• irritable bowel syndrome
• Ondansetron
• serotonin antagonist