Ondansetron 8 mg odt. Ondansetron 8mg ODT: Comprehensive Guide to Uses, Side Effects, and Dosing
How does ondansetron 8mg ODT work to prevent nausea and vomiting. What are the main uses and potential side effects of this antiemetic medication. When should ondansetron be taken and what is the proper dosage.
Understanding Ondansetron: A Powerful Antiemetic Medication
Ondansetron belongs to a class of medications known as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Its primary function is to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting associated with various medical conditions and treatments. The medication works by blocking the action of serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
The 8mg orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) form of ondansetron is a convenient and effective option for many patients. This dosage form dissolves quickly on the tongue, making it easier to take for those experiencing nausea or having difficulty swallowing pills.
Key Uses of Ondansetron 8mg ODT
Ondansetron 8mg ODT is prescribed for several important medical purposes:
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including treatments with cisplatin ≥ 50 mg/m2
- Management of nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting related to radiotherapy, especially in patients receiving total body irradiation or abdominal radiation
- Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in surgical patients
Is ondansetron effective for all types of nausea and vomiting? While ondansetron is highly effective for chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting, it may not be as effective for motion sickness or pregnancy-related nausea. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.
Proper Dosing and Administration of Ondansetron 8mg ODT
The correct dosage of ondansetron 8mg ODT can vary depending on the specific use and individual patient factors. Here are some general guidelines:
- For chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: Typically, 8mg is taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy, followed by 8mg doses 8 and 16 hours after the first dose.
- For radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: Usually, 8mg is taken 1-2 hours before each radiotherapy session.
- For postoperative nausea and vomiting: A single 16mg dose is often given one hour before anesthesia induction.
How should ondansetron 8mg ODT be taken? Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve. You can swallow the dissolved tablet with or without water. Do not chew or crush the tablet.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While ondansetron is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some patients. Common side effects may include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Mild fever
Are there any serious side effects to be aware of? In rare cases, ondansetron can cause more serious side effects such as irregular heartbeat, allergic reactions, or serotonin syndrome. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like chest pain, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Precautions and Contraindications
Certain individuals should use ondansetron with caution or avoid it altogether:
- Patients with a history of long QT syndrome or other heart rhythm disorders
- Those taking other medications that can affect heart rhythm
- Individuals with liver problems
- Patients with a known hypersensitivity to ondansetron or other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists
Can ondansetron be used during pregnancy? While ondansetron has been used to treat severe morning sickness in pregnant women, its safety during pregnancy is not fully established. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using ondansetron during pregnancy.
Drug Interactions and Considerations
Ondansetron can interact with various medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Some important drug interactions to be aware of include:
- Apomorphine: Can cause severe hypotension and loss of consciousness
- Tramadol: May reduce the pain-relieving effects of tramadol
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin): Can decrease ondansetron’s effectiveness
- QT-prolonging drugs: May increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms
Should patients inform their healthcare providers about all medications they’re taking? Absolutely. It’s crucial to provide a complete list of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements to avoid potential drug interactions.
Special Considerations for Ondansetron 8mg ODT
The orally disintegrating tablet form of ondansetron offers several advantages:
- Rapid dissolution on the tongue, making it easier to take for patients experiencing nausea
- No need for water, which can be beneficial for patients with swallowing difficulties
- Convenient for use in situations where immediate relief is needed
Does ondansetron 8mg ODT contain any allergens? According to the product information, this formulation is free from gluten, soy, sulfur, nuts, and eggs. However, it does contain lactose and aspartame, which may be relevant for some patients.
Storage and Handling
To maintain the effectiveness and safety of ondansetron 8mg ODT:
- Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat
- Keep the medication in its original packaging until ready to use
- Do not use if the packaging is damaged or shows signs of tampering
- Keep out of reach of children
Monitoring and Follow-up
Regular monitoring is important when taking ondansetron, especially for patients using it long-term or those with pre-existing health conditions. Healthcare providers may recommend:
- Periodic ECG monitoring for patients at risk of QT prolongation
- Liver function tests for patients with hepatic impairment
- Assessment of electrolyte levels, particularly in patients receiving chemotherapy
How often should patients follow up with their healthcare provider while taking ondansetron? The frequency of follow-ups will depend on the individual’s health status and the reason for using ondansetron. Generally, patients should have regular check-ups to assess the medication’s effectiveness and monitor for any potential side effects.
Alternative Antiemetic Options
While ondansetron is highly effective for many patients, alternative antiemetic medications may be considered in certain situations:
- Granisetron: Another 5-HT3 receptor antagonist with similar efficacy
- Palonosetron: A newer 5-HT3 receptor antagonist with a longer half-life
- Aprepitant: An NK1 receptor antagonist often used in combination with ondansetron for highly emetogenic chemotherapy
- Metoclopramide: A dopamine antagonist that can be effective for some types of nausea and vomiting
Are there any non-pharmacological approaches to managing nausea and vomiting? Yes, several complementary therapies can be helpful, including acupuncture, ginger supplements, and relaxation techniques. These can be used alongside ondansetron or as alternatives in some cases.
Choosing the Right Antiemetic Treatment
The choice of antiemetic medication depends on various factors:
- The underlying cause of nausea and vomiting
- The patient’s medical history and current health status
- Potential drug interactions with other medications
- Individual response to different antiemetic agents
- Cost and insurance coverage considerations
Healthcare providers will consider these factors when determining the most appropriate antiemetic regimen for each patient.
Patient Education and Support
Proper education and support are crucial for patients taking ondansetron 8mg ODT. Healthcare providers should ensure that patients understand:
- The correct way to take the medication
- Potential side effects and when to seek medical attention
- The importance of adhering to the prescribed dosing schedule
- Any necessary lifestyle modifications or dietary restrictions
How can patients actively participate in their treatment? Patients can keep a symptom diary to track the effectiveness of ondansetron and any side effects experienced. This information can be valuable for healthcare providers in adjusting treatment plans as needed.
Support Resources
Various resources are available to support patients using ondansetron:
- Patient support groups for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or dealing with chronic nausea
- Educational materials provided by healthcare institutions and pharmaceutical companies
- Online forums and communities for sharing experiences and coping strategies
- Nutrition counseling to manage dietary challenges associated with nausea and vomiting
Ondansetron 8mg ODT is a valuable tool in the management of nausea and vomiting associated with various medical conditions and treatments. By understanding its uses, proper administration, potential side effects, and precautions, patients and healthcare providers can maximize the benefits of this medication while minimizing risks. As with any medical treatment, individualized care and ongoing communication between patients and healthcare providers are essential for optimal outcomes.
Ondansetron OD Tabs / 8mg / 30 Count – Rising Pharmaceuticals
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Brand name: Zofran ODT®
1 Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including cisplatin ≥ 50 mg/m2.
2 Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy.
3 Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with radiotherapy in patients receiving either total body irradiation, single high-dose fraction to the abdomen, or daily fractions to the abdomen.
4 Prevention of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting. As with other antiemetics, routine prophylaxis is not recommended for patients in whom there is little expectation that nausea and/or vomiting will occur postoperatively. In patients where nausea and/or vomiting must be avoided postoperatively, ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets, USP are recommended even where the incidence of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting is low.
For more information please see the prescribing information on DailyMed.
Product Characteristics | |
---|---|
Color | White (White To Off-White) |
Shape | Round |
Gluten | Free from Gluten |
Lactose | Contains Lactose |
Sweeteners | Contains Aspartame |
Soy | Free from Soy |
Gelatin | Free from Gelatin |
Allergen Info | Free from Sulfphur, Nuts, and Eggs |
Other Product Info | Guarana, Strawberry Flavor |
*The brand names listed are not owned by Rising Pharma. Rising Pharma products are generic equivalents to the respective brand names listed on this website.
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Mar-Ondansetron – Uses, Side Effects, Interactions
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Ondansetron belongs to the class of medications called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. This medication is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of cancer chemotherapy and radiation. It is also used to prevent and treat the nausea and vomiting that occurs after surgery. It works by reducing the effects of a naturally-occurring chemical in the body called serotonin, which causes nausea and vomiting.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Tablet
4 mg
Each yellow, oval, film-coated tablet, debossed with “4” on one side and “NO” on other side, contains 4 mg ondansetron (as ondansetron hydrochloride). Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised starch, magnesium stearate, methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose, triacetin, croscarmellose sodium, iron oxide yellow, and titanium dioxide.
8 mg
Each yellow, oval, film-coated tablet, debossed with “8” on one side and “NO” on other side, contains 8 mg ondansetron (as ondansetron hydrochloride). Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised starch, magnesium stearate, methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose, triacetin, croscarmellose sodium, iron oxide yellow, and titanium dioxide.
Orally Disintegrating Tablet
4 mg
Each white, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edge tablet, debossed with ‘P’ on one side and ’92’ on other side, contains 4 mg of ondansetron. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, colloidal anhydrous silica, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, modified food starch, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, strawberry flavor, and triacetin.
8 mg
Each white, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edge tablet, debossed with ‘P’ on one side and ’91’ on other side, contains 8 mg of ondansetron. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, colloidal anhydrous silica, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, modified food starch, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, strawberry flavor, and triacetin.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of ondansetron for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy is based on severity of the symptoms and ranges from 8 mg to 24 mg daily given in divided doses.
Doses for children are based on body size. The recommended dose for children is 3 to 5 mg per square metre of body surface area and will be calculated by your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the one given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Ondansetron should be taken ½ to 1 hour before chemotherapy treatment. After this first dose, it should be taken every 8 to 12 hours for up to 5 days.
Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.
Tablets should be swallowed whole, with fluids. Orally-dispersible tablets (ODTs) should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve.
The recommended adult dose of ondansetron to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting caused by radiation therapy is 8 mg taken by mouth, 1 to 2 hours before treatment, and then every 8 hours for up to 5 days after treatment.
The recommended adult dose of ondansetron to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery is 16 mg taken by mouth, 1 hour before anesthesia. Alternatively, a dose of 4 mg may be given by intravenous (into a vein) injection at the time of surgery. After surgery, a single dose of 4 mg of ondansetron may be given by intravenous injection to treat nausea or vomiting.
Ondansetron is not effective for treating or preventing nausea and vomiting caused by motion.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, and you do not feel sick, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. If you miss a dose and feel sick or vomit, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store all forms of this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e. g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to ondansetron or any ingredients of the medication
- are taking the medication apomorphine
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- constipation
- flushing or feeling warm
- hiccups
- low blood pressure
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- blurred vision
- difficulty moving or abnormal body movement
- dizziness
- pain, redness, or burning at place of injection
- signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
- signs of low potassium levels in the blood (e.g. , weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat)
- symptoms of irregular heartbeat (e.g., chest pain, dizziness, rapid, pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath)
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- blindness
- seizures
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (i.e., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
- signs of heart problems (e.g., fast, irregular heartbeat or pulse, chest pain, sudden weight gain, difficulty breathing, leg swelling)
- signs of serotonin syndrome (e.g., agitation, confusion, mood changes, decreased coordination, hallucinations, fever, sweating)
- signs of a severe skin reaction (e.g., a rash combined with fever or discomfort, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, blistering, peeling)
- signs of decreased blood flow to the heart muscle (e. g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Allergy: People who have had an allergic reaction to dolasetron or granisetron are advised not to take ondansetron. Before you take ondansetron, inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications. Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.
Abnormal heart rhythms: Very rarely, ondansetron can affect the heart’s electrical activity and cause an irregular heartbeat. This is more likely to happen with the injectable form of ondansetron. Certain medications (e.g., sotalol, quinidine, thioridazine, chlorpromazine, pimozide, moxifloxacin, mefloquine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide, probucol, tacrolimus) can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation, and should not be used in combination with ondansetron. You are more at risk for this type of abnormal heart rhythm and its complications if you:
- are female
- are older than 65 years of age
- have a family history of sudden cardiac death
- have a history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms
- have a slow heart rate
- have congenital prolongation of the QT interval
- have diabetes
- have had a stroke
- have low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels
- have nutritional deficiencies
If you have heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms, or are taking certain medications (e. g., verapamil, atazanavir), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may monitor your heart rate using a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG) while you are using this medication.
Heart problems: Ondansetron can cause blood vessels in the heart to spasm, reducing blood flow to parts of the heart. This can cause chest pain and in severe cases may cause areas of heart muscle to be damaged. If you experience chest pain, let your doctor know immediately.
Liver function: Ondansetron is broken down and removed from the body by the liver. Decreased liver function slows down the removal of the medication from the body and increases the risk of side effects from ondansetron. If you have liver disease or reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Motion sickness: Ondansetron is not effective for the treatment of motion sickness.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Ondansetron, like other similar medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, get immediate medical attention.
Phenylketonuria: People with phenylketonuria (lacking the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine) should take forms of ondansetron other than oral dissolving tablets (ODT). The ODT form of ondansetron contains aspartame, an ingredient that cannot be broken down in the body by people who have phenylketonuria.
Serotonin syndrome: Severe reactions are possible when ondansetron is combined with other medications that act on serotonin, such as tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, medications used to treat depression. These combinations should be avoided. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, and changes in mental state including delirium and agitation. Coma and death are possible.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Use of ondansetron during the first trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if ondansetron passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy have not been established for children under 3 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of using this medication to treat nausea and vomiting caused by radiation or surgery have not been determined for children less than 18 years of age. Its use by this age group is not recommended.
Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication by people 65 years or older to treat nausea and vomiting caused by surgery have not been established. Seniors may be at an increased risk of developing irregular heartbeat with ondansetron, particularly the injectable form. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between ondansetron and any of the following:
- amiodarone
- antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, pimozide, quetiapine, risperidone)
- apalutamide
- apomorphine
- carbamazepine
- capecitabine
- CF transmembrane regulators (e.g., ivacaftor, lumacaftor)
- disopyramide
- domperidone
- dronedarone
- enzalutamide
- fentanyl
- flecainide
- fluconazole
- linezolid
- lithium
- macrolide antibiotics (e. g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- meperidine
- metformin
- methadone
- mirtazapine
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin
- primidone
- procainamide
- propafenone
- quinine
- quinolone antibiotics (e.g., levofloxacin, moxifloxacin)
- rifampin
- St. John’s wort
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, vortioxetine)
- serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, venlafaxine)
- sotalol
- tapentadol
- tramadol
- trazodone
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, trimipramine)
- tryptophan
- tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., crizotinib, dabrafenib, dasatinib, nilotinib, ribociclib, sunitinib)
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Mar-Ondansetron
HOW TO TAKE ANTIEMOTICS WITH CHEMOTHERAPY
The mechanism of action of 5HT-3 antagonists: blocking receptors that are sensitive to serotonin secreted by the body. Due to this, nervous excitation does not enter the vomiting center. If they are arranged by efficiency, it will turn out like this: tropisetron (navoban), granisetron (kytril), ondansetron (zofran). Although in the clinic the effectiveness of granisetron may exceed the experimental one, therefore some researchers give the palm to granisetron. The fact is that granisetron lingers longer in the body and acts only on 5HT-3 receptors responsible for nausea. And ondansetron partially “disperses” its action, being distracted by both 5HT-1 and 5HT-2 receptors.
These drugs are administered intravenously over 30 minutes. – 1 hour before chemotherapy. If treatment is planned only with cytostatic tablets or capsules, then it is more reasonable to drink antiemetic tablets or capsules an hour in advance, you can insert a Zofran suppository into the rectum. There is no need to administer intravenous antiemetic in this situation – no benefit in efficacy. Another thing is if intravenous chemotherapy is supposed, then the introduction of an antiemetic into a vein through the same catheter, only half an hour or an hour earlier, is justified.
Granisetron and tropisetron act almost the same time from 8 to 12 hours, their effectiveness does not increase with increasing dose. That is, if it is not possible to prevent vomiting with one ampoule of medicine, it is useless to do the second.
Ondansetron is completely eliminated from the body after 3-5 hours, with increasing doses the results improve, so it can be administered intravenously from 4 to 32 mg. The 32 mg dose is the standard dose to prevent the most severe vomiting. But the duration of the action is exactly the same, which is 4 mg, which is 32 mg. If ondansetron (Zofran, Latran, Emiset) was administered before chemotherapy, then after 4 hours, I recommend taking the medicine in tablets, even when you are not sick. Nausea is easier to prevent than to treat. In the case of preparation for chemistry with granisetron, the antiemetic should be repeated after 8 hours, without waiting for an attack. When using tropisetron, the capsule is drunk in the morning before meals. But there is absolutely no guarantee that you will not experience nausea on the day of chemotherapy, so you can take a tablet of ondansetron or granisetron before bed. It is better to “treat” nausea than to “under-treat”.
There are no drugs that have been completely harmless. So antiemetics can cause toxic reactions. All drugs of the 5HT-3 antagonist group act on intestinal activity: granisetron can cause constipation, tropisetron and ondansetron can cause diarrhea or constipation. The last two have an adverse effect on cardiac activity. To minimize the toxic reactions of antiemetics, it is necessary to strictly observe the intervals between doses and the maximum permitted doses: granisetron no more than 9mg per day for 2-3 times, ondansetron – up to 6 times in total 32 mg, tropisetron – 5 mg per day. And what if you continue to feel sick? Use drugs of other groups.
Dexamethasone is used in parallel or sequentially to enhance the antiemetic effect of 5HT-3 antagonists. By the way, it is the combination of 5HT-3 antagonist + dexamethasone that is recognized as the standard of therapy. Be careful: dexamethasone is absolutely contraindicated in diabetes mellitus, gastric ulcer and arterial hypertension (popularly they say – arterial hypertension).
On the second day after chemotherapy, you can drink metoclopramide (cerucal, raglan), dimetpramide or domperidone (motilium). Metoclopramide or dimetpramide can reduce the emetogenic activity of chemotherapy drugs if administered before a cytostatic. Motilium should not be drunk before the introduction of cytostatics, since the mechanism of its action is such that, in principle, it cannot prevent such vomiting. But on the second day – it will go well. Try to limit yourself to four tricks, then unpleasant reactions from dizziness to hallucinations are very likely. Yes, yes, despite the fact that these drugs are sold without a prescription, they belong to the group of psychotropic drugs. Triethylperazine (Torecan) also belongs to this group, it is very convenient in rectal suppositories. It is better at night, and it will relieve nausea and calm sleep.
Antiemetics do not prevent preliminary nausea and vomiting. Since, it comes “from the mind” and is treated, therefore, it must be psychotropic. Previously, they were called “tranquilizers”, now – anxiolytics. You can not buy them yourself, only by prescription. Discuss this problem with the doctor, not in the sense of how to buy, but whether these drugs are needed or not. They are taken in very short courses, there is a danger of addiction.
Vomiting is not terrible in itself, as an extremely unpleasant condition, but due to dehydration. Loss of fluid is dangerous due to thickening of the blood, the formation of blood clots, difficulty in the work of the heart, and an increase in the concentration of toxic substances. Especially dangerous is vomiting in the heat with profuse sweating. Drinking is a must. You can’t eat – don’t eat, you won’t die of hunger, after that you will make up for everything. Fluid can be injected with droppers, but this is an extreme case. No matter how hard they try to bring solutions for intravenous administration as close as possible to the composition of body fluids natural for the body, this has not yet been possible. The drunk liquid will naturally pass into the composition of the blood, plasma and lymph. All necessary components will be synthesized. Drink tea, water, fruit drinks, kvass. Be careful with juices, the mucous membranes are damaged by chemotherapy drugs, the hour is uneven – you can drink up to diarrhea.