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Zofran 4mg tablets. Zofran (Ondansetron) in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Uses, Safety, and Precautions

What are the risks of using Zofran during pregnancy. How does ondansetron affect breastfeeding. What are the main uses and side effects of Zofran. When should you consult a healthcare provider about taking ondansetron.

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Understanding Zofran: An Overview of Ondansetron

Zofran, also known by its generic name ondansetron, is a medication primarily used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. It belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural substance in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Ondansetron is available in various forms, including:

  • Oral tablets
  • Oral disintegrating tablets (ODT)
  • Oral solution
  • Intravenous (IV) injection

The medication is commonly prescribed for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, as these treatments can often cause severe nausea and vomiting. However, its use has expanded to other conditions where nausea and vomiting are problematic, including pregnancy-related morning sickness.

Zofran Use During Pregnancy: Weighing the Risks and Benefits

The use of Zofran during pregnancy has been a topic of debate and concern among healthcare professionals and expectant mothers. While the medication has been effective in managing severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, also known as hyperemesis gravidarum, its safety profile during pregnancy is not fully established.

According to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the United Kingdom’s regulatory bodies, the use of ondansetron is not recommended during pregnancy. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies ondansetron as a Pregnancy Category B drug, meaning that animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

What do animal studies reveal about ondansetron use during pregnancy?

Animal studies have failed to demonstrate evidence of harm to the embryo, fetus, gestation period, or perinatal/postnatal development. However, it’s crucial to note that animal studies do not always predict human responses, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks in human pregnancies.

What is the current recommendation for ondansetron use in pregnancy?

The general consensus among healthcare providers is that ondansetron should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. If use is deemed absolutely necessary, caution should be exercised, especially during the first trimester when fetal organ development is most critical.

Breastfeeding and Ondansetron: Safety Considerations for Nursing Mothers

The use of ondansetron while breastfeeding is another area of concern for new mothers and healthcare providers. The current recommendations vary slightly between different regulatory bodies:

  • Australia and UK: Breastfeeding is not recommended during the use of ondansetron
  • United States: Use with caution

It’s important to note that it’s unknown whether ondansetron is excreted into human milk. However, studies have shown that it is excreted into animal milk. The effects on nursing infants are currently unknown, which is why caution is advised.

What factors should be considered when deciding to use ondansetron while breastfeeding?

When considering the use of ondansetron while breastfeeding, healthcare providers and mothers should weigh several factors:

  1. The importance of the medication for the mother’s health
  2. The potential effects on the nursing infant
  3. The possibility of alternative treatments
  4. The age of the infant (older infants may be less susceptible to potential effects)

As with any medication use during breastfeeding, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to make an informed decision based on individual circumstances.

Proper Administration of Ondansetron: Dosage Forms and Instructions

Ondansetron comes in various forms, each with specific administration instructions. Understanding these can help ensure the medication’s effectiveness and minimize potential side effects.

How should ondansetron be administered to children?

When administering ondansetron to children, it’s crucial to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Liquid form: Use a medicine dropper or oral syringe to measure the correct amount. Give small squirts inside the cheek, allowing the child to swallow each squirt before giving more.
  • For infants: The medicine can be mixed with a small amount of formula or breast milk and given with a bottle nipple before feeding. Avoid adding it to a full bottle, as it may be difficult to determine how much medicine was taken if the baby doesn’t finish the bottle.
  • Oral disintegrating tablets (ODT): These are available for older children who cannot swallow pills. Place the tablet under the tongue, where it will dissolve.

It’s important to note that ondansetron can be given with or without food. However, always check with a healthcare provider before combining ondansetron with other medications, herbs, or vitamins.

Managing Missed Doses and Vomiting After Administration

Missed doses and vomiting after taking ondansetron can be concerning for patients and caregivers. Here’s what you need to know about managing these situations:

What should you do if a dose of ondansetron is missed?

If a dose is missed, it should be given as soon as remembered. However, it’s crucial never to give a double dose to make up for a missed one. If it’s almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule.

How should vomiting after ondansetron administration be handled?

The approach to vomiting after taking ondansetron depends on the formulation and timing:

  • Regular tablets or liquid: If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of taking the dose, it can be repeated. If vomiting occurs after the second dose, do not repeat it again.
  • Oral disintegrating tablets (ODT): If vomiting occurs after taking an ODT, do not repeat the dose. ODTs are absorbed into the body quickly, so the medication may have already taken effect.

If two doses in a row are missed or vomited, it’s advisable to contact the healthcare provider for further instructions.

Recognizing and Managing Side Effects of Ondansetron

Like all medications, ondansetron can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences these, it’s important to be aware of potential adverse reactions and know how to manage them.

What are the common side effects of ondansetron?

The most frequently reported side effects of ondansetron include:

  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness

These side effects are generally mild and often resolve on their own as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if they persist or become bothersome, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider.

Are there any serious side effects to be aware of?

While rare, some serious side effects can occur with ondansetron use. These may include:

  • Changes in liver function tests (with long-term use)
  • Signs of an allergic reaction (fever, chills, rash, hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing)
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Severe dizziness or fainting

If any of these serious side effects occur, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

When to Seek Medical Attention While Taking Ondansetron

While ondansetron is generally well-tolerated, there are situations where medical attention should be sought promptly. Being aware of these scenarios can help ensure patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes.

What symptoms warrant immediate medical attention?

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if any of the following occur:

  • Continued vomiting after two doses of ondansetron
  • Signs of an allergic reaction (as mentioned earlier)
  • Severe abdominal pain or bloating
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Severe dizziness or fainting spells

It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential medication-related issues. If there’s any doubt about symptoms or side effects, consulting with a healthcare provider is the safest course of action.

How can patients prepare for a discussion with their healthcare provider about ondansetron?

To have a productive conversation with a healthcare provider about ondansetron use, patients should:

  1. Keep a record of all doses taken, including missed doses or vomiting episodes
  2. Note any side effects experienced, including their severity and duration
  3. List all other medications, supplements, and herbal products being used
  4. Prepare questions about the medication, its effects, and any concerns
  5. Be ready to discuss any changes in symptoms or overall health since starting ondansetron

By being prepared with this information, patients can help their healthcare providers make informed decisions about their treatment plan and address any issues promptly.

Ondansetron Use During Pregnancy | Drugs.com

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Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 3, 2022.

Ondansetron is also known as: Zofran, Zofran ODT, Zuplenz

Ondansetron Pregnancy Warnings

Use is not recommended (AU, UK)
This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed (US)

AU TGA pregnancy category: B1
US FDA pregnancy category: B

Comment:
-If use is absolutely necessary, caution should be exercised, especially during the first trimester.

Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of harm to the embryo, fetus, gestation period, perinatal/postnatal development, and/or fertility. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category B1: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have not shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage.

US FDA pregnancy category B: Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

See references

Ondansetron Breastfeeding Warnings

Breastfeeding is not recommended during use of this drug (AU, UK)
Use with caution (US)

Excreted into human milk: Unknown
Excreted into animal milk: Yes

Comments: The effects in the nursing infant are unknown.

See references

See also

  • Ondansetron use while Breastfeeding (in more detail)
  • Ondansetron Consumer Information
  • Pregnancy Support Group
  • FDA Pregnancy Categories
  • Medicine use during Pregnancy
  • Medicine use while Breastfeeding
  • Safe Medications during Breastfeeding
References for pregnancy information
  1. Product Information. Zofran (ondansetron). GlaxoSmithKline. 2001.
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
  4. Product Information. Zuplenz (ondansetron). Strativa Pharmaceuticals, a Division of Par Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2010.
References for breastfeeding information
  1. Product Information. Zofran (ondansetron). GlaxoSmithKline. 2001.
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
  4. Product Information. Zuplenz (ondansetron). Strativa Pharmaceuticals, a Division of Par Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2010.
  5. United States National Library of Medicine. Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT 2013.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Ondansetron (Zofran)

How does this medicine work?

Ondansetron (on-dan-se-tron) is a medicine used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting.

How should I give it?

Ondansetron may be given by mouth as a liquid, pill, or tablet; or in a vein (IV). It may be given in one of these ways:

  • as needed
  • at regular times
  • continuously through an IV

Your child should be awake and alert when taking any medicine by mouth. Follow the checked instructions below:

___ If using the liquid form, draw up the correct amount in the medicine dropper or oral syringe. Give a small squirt of the medicine inside the cheek. To avoid choking, let your child swallow each squirt before giving more.

___ For babies, you may want to mix the medicine with a small amount of formula or breast milk and give it with a bottle nipple before feeding. Do not add the medicine to a whole bottle because if your baby does not finish it, you will not know how much of the medicine was taken.

___ For older children who cannot swallow pills, a special tablet called Zofran ODT (oral disintegrating tablet) is available. Place it under the tongue and it will dissolve.

Other instructions:

 

 

 

Are there any precautions about food or other medicines?

This medicine may be given with or without food.

Check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.

What should I do if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you remember. Never give a double dose.

If your child vomits a regular dose (not of the ODT type) within 30 minutes after receiving it, give it again. If your child vomits the second dose, do not repeat it again. If your child vomits an ODT dose, do not repeat it. Ondansetron ODT is absorbed into the body right away.

If your child misses or vomits two doses in a row, please call the clinic.

What are the side effects?

Common

  • headache
  • constipation

Occasional

  • fatigue
  • change in liver tests (with long-term use)
  • diarrhea
  • feeling dizzy

When should I call the clinic?

  • continued vomiting after 2 doses
  • signs of allergic reaction:
    • fever or chills
    • rash or hives
    • wheezing
    • trouble breathing – call 911

What else do I need to know?

You and your child should know the names and doses of all medicines he or she is taking. Share this information with anyone involved in your child’s care. Please remember to bring the medicine container when your child comes to the clinic or emergency department.

Always make sure you have enough medicine on hand. Each time you refill the prescription, check to see how many refills are left. If no refills are left, the pharmacy will need 2 or 3 days to contact the clinic to renew the prescription.

Check the label and the expiration date before giving each dose. Ask your pharmacist what to do with outdated or unused medications. Empty them into the trash if there is no “take-back” program.

Store all medicines in their original containers and away from direct sunlight or heat. Do not store in humid places such as the bathroom. Keep them out of children’s reach; lock up if possible.

If too much or the wrong kind of medicine is taken, call the Poison Control Center toll-free at 1-800-222-1222. If your child is unconscious or has a seizure, call 911.

Questions?

This sheet is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call the clinic or pharmacy.

Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Patient/Family Education
2525 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Last reviewed 8/2015 ©Copyright

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Zofran instructions, price in pharmacies of Ukraine The drug contains the active component ondansetron, a selective blocker of serotonin 5HT3 receptors. The drug may show an anti-diabetic effect. The mechanism of drug administration until the end of the term, it is therapeutically effective for the drug due to the influence of serotonin 5HT3 receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system, stimulation of these receptors during chemotherapy, which improves serotonin.

The drug does not have a sedative effect and does not affect plasma prolactin levels.

After oral administration, the drug is well absorbed in the intestinal tract. For ondansetron, the characteristic effect is the first passage through the liver. The peak plasma concentration of the active ingredient is observed 1.5 years after oral ingestion of the drug and 6 years after rectal ingestion. When taking the drug at once, the bioavailability of ondansetron is increased.

Metabolized in the liver, excreted most importantly in the presence of metabolites, about 5% of the drug is excreted in the unchanged form.

The period of administration of the drug is 3 years, in patients with a frail age – 5 years, after rectal ingestion of the drug – close to 6 years (as a result of greater absorption of the drug in the rectum). In patients with severe impairment of function, the period of drinking increases to 15-20 years.

The pharmacokinetics of the drug is the same for single and repeated doses.

In patients with impaired function, the systemic clearance and volume of distribution of the active ingredient are reduced. The period of administration in patients with impaired blood function and creatinine clearance of 15 to 60 ml / hv reaches 5. 4 years.

In patients who are on hemodialysis, the pharmacokinetics of the drug are similar to those in patients with normal functioning of the drug.

In patients with severely impaired liver function, a decrease in systemic clearance of the active component of the drug, an increase in the period of administration (15-32 years) and oral bioavailability (100%) are indicated.

In women, systemic clearance and volume of ondansetron was lower, lower in humans.

Indication before congestion:

The drug is indicated for the treatment and prevention of vomiting in patients who are undergoing a course of cytostatic chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

The drug is also prescribed for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting in patients who have undergone surgery. For the therapy of patients in the postoperative period, do not stop the drug Zofran in the form of suppositories.

Injection method:

Injection retailer

Prescription drug for parenteral infusion. The ampoule with the preparation should be taken out without delay before the infusion, in case, even though not all of the varieties are broken, I decide to dispose of it. Ready rozchin for infusion introduction is allowed to be taken at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius for a duration of not more than 24 years. The drug in a dose of 8 mg and less is allowed to be administered intravenously, intravenously and at the same time as intravenous infusion. If the dose is higher than 8 mg, then the drug should be administered only in case of intravenous infusion. Intravenously, the drug should be injected regularly at the upper upper quadrant of the sydnychny m’yaza.

For the preparation of a brand for internal infusion as a retailer, a variety is allowed:

  • 0.9% sodium chloride brand;
  • Rozchin Ringer;
  • 10% manitol;
  • 5% glucose solution;
  • 0.3% potassium chloride and 0.9% sodium chloride;
  • 0.3% potassium chloride and 5% glucose. 0.9% sodium chloride, as well as the drug in other total sizes for intravenous administration is stable in polypropylene syringes.

    One-hour injection of a drug with a concentration of 16 to 160 µg / ml (8 mg / 500 ml and 8 mg / 50 ml) through a Y-shaped injector is allowed:

    • ia 0.48 mg / ml) for 1-8 years;
    • 5-fluorouracil (concentration 0.8 mg/ml) with a dose not exceeding 20 ml per year;
    • Carboplatin (concentration 0.18-9.9 mg / ml) with a stretch of 10-60 strands;
    • Etoposide (concentration 0.14-0.25 mg/ml) 30-60 strands;
    • Ceftazidime (dose 250-2000mg), administered in water for injection according to the recommended instructions, stretching 5 strands at a time of intravenous bolus injection;
    • Cyclophosphamide (dose 100-1000mg) is varied in water for injections according to the recommended instructions, with a stretch of 5 strands at the same time as an internal bolus injection;
    • Doxorubicin (dose 10-100mg) is administered in water for injections according to the recommended instructions, with a stretch of 5 strands at a glance for internal bolus injections;
    • The drug can also be mixed in a single urticaria with dexamethasone phosphate sodium sill (dose of ondansetron in a range of 8 µg/ml up to 1 mg/ml, dose of dexamethasone phosphate in a range of 32 µg/ml up to 2. 5 g/ml) entry hour 50- 100 ml rozchin not less than 15 quills.

    The validity of the course of treatment and the dose of the drug is determined by the drug individually for the skin patient.

    Older, if you are going to undergo a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, with nausea and vomiting, prescribe a proper injection of 8 mg of the drug before the start of therapy. In times like nudota or vomit, try for more than 24 years after the start of therapy, patients are prescribed the drug Zofran in medicinal forms for oral or rectal congestion.

    Let’s grow up, if you want to avoid therapy with highly methogenic drugs, in case of nausea and vomiting, prescribe a proper injection of 8 mg of the drug before chemotherapy. The dose of the drug should be increased as a fallow drug (maximum dose 32 mg) and administered as an intravenous infusion.

    In addition, during therapy with highly methogenic drugs, patients may be given the administration of ondansetron according to the regimen: 8 mg intravenously before chemotherapy, after which 2 repeated administrations of 8 mg of the drug with an interval of 2-4 godini. It is also possible to recognize ondansetron for intravenous infusion of 1 mg/year for 24 years.

    To improve the effectiveness of the drug, a single intravenous injection of 20 mg of dexamethasone phosphate sodium salt is given to current patients before chemotherapy on the cob.

    In times of nausea or vomiting, try for more than 24 years after the beginning of therapy, patients are prescribed the drug Zofran in medicinal forms for oral or rectal congestion.

    Children should be given an intravenous dose of 5 mg/m2 before chemotherapy. After 12 years after parenteral administration, the drug should be administered orally 4 mg of ondansetron 2 times a day. The oral form of the drug should be taken for 5 days after completion of the course of chemotherapy.

    Let’s grow up before the operative intervention for the prevention of nausea and vomit, administer 4 mg of the drug intravenously properly or internally during the period of induction anesthesia.

    For the treatment of vomiting in the postoperative period, it is necessary to prescribe a one-time intravenous injection of 4 mg of the drug.

    For children before surgery to prevent nausea and vomiting, prescribe the drug at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg of body weight intravenously properly during the period of induction anesthesia (it is also possible to introduce the drug before or after induction anesthesia).

    For the treatment of vomiting in the post-operative period, children should be given a one-time intravenous administration of the drug at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight.

    The maximum dose of the drug for children with postoperative vomiting should be 4 mg of ondansetron.

    The maximum additional dose for the drug for patients who suffer from impaired liver function is 8 mg.

    Syrup, coated tablets, lingual tablets:

    Indication for oral administration. Tablets, covered with a shell, are recommended to be taken in whole, not rotting and not sagging, drinking down the necessary amount of water. Lingual tablets are recommended to be taken in the mouth empty until they are full (1-2 quills) after which they are swallowed. The syrup is recommended to be taken in an undiluted form, dosing the drug in the form of a syrup is carried out with the help of a special spoon, which is put into the pack at once with the bottle. The validity of the course of treatment and the dose of the drug depends on the drug individually for the skin patient.

    Older, if you want to take a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, with nausea and vomiting, prescribe 8 mg of the drug 1-2 years before the start of therapy. After which the drug is taken again after 12 years at a dose of 8 mg. For the prevention of piznyoї vomit, we grow up to sound, prescribe 8 mg of the drug 2 times a day. The drug should be taken for 5 days after completion of the course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

    Doroslimy, yakі otrimuyut therapy with highly methogenic drugs, with nausea and vomiting, prescribe 24 mg of the drug in combination with 12 mg of dexamethasone sodium sill phosphate 1-2 years before chemotherapy on the cob. For the prevention of vomit in 24 years after the first drug taken, you should prescribe 8 mg of ondansetron 2 times a day. The drug should be taken for 5 days after completion of the course of chemotherapy.

    Children should be given a parenteral drug before chemotherapy. After 12 years after parenteral administration, the drug should be administered orally 4 mg of ondansetron 2 times a day. The drug should be taken for 5 days after completion of the course of chemotherapy.

    Let’s grow up before the operative intervention for the prevention of nudity and vomit, you should prescribe 16 mg of the drug once 60 minutes before the ear of general anesthesia. For the treatment of vomiting in the postoperative period, it is recommended to stop the drug in the form of parenteral administration.

    Rectal suppositories:

    Prescription drug for rectal infusion. The validity of the course of treatment and the dose of the drug depends on the drug individually for the skin patient.

    Older, if you want to take a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, with nausea and vomiting, prescribe 1 suppository of the drug 1-2 years before the start of therapy. For the prevention of bloating in adulthood, prescribe 1 suppository of the drug 1 time per day.

    The preparation should be given for 5 days after completion of the course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

    As soon as possible, if you want to avoid therapy with highly methogenic drugs, in case of nausea and vomiting, prescribe 1 suppository of the drug 1-2 years before the start of chemotherapy. To enhance the therapeutic effect of the drug, a single intravenous injection of 20 mg of dexamethasone phosphate sodium salt is prescribed before chemotherapy on the cob.

    Let’s grow up for the prevention of vomiting in 24 years after the first drug taken, prescribe 1 suppository of the drug 1 time per day. The preparation should be taken for 5 days after completion of the course of chemotherapy.

    Antiemetics – veterinary articles from Svoy Doktor specialists

    Vomiting is a common clinical sign in small animal veterinary practice. It requires a rational approach to treatment based primarily on suspected or established pathology. A complete and detailed history is required to examine an animal with vomiting. It is most important to distinguish vomiting from regurgitation, since their etiology, on which specific diagnostic tests depend, is different. Regurgitation is a passive process in which undigested food or saliva is ejected spontaneously under the influence of gravity, while vomiting is a reflex accompanied by signs of nausea, increased salivation and contractions of the abdominal muscles.

    Maropitant. Trade name Serenia/ Cerenia

    This drug acts as an antiemetic by blocking the neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor. Neurokinin-1 is a neurotransmitter that initiates vomiting from the vomiting center. Although NK1 receptors are involved in other physiological and behavioral responses, no side effects associated with blockade of other receptors have been reported at doses used to control vomiting. Maropitant can inhibit vomiting that is stimulated by both central and peripheral sources mediated by acetylcholine, histamine, dopamine, and serotonin. The NK1 receptor is also involved in pain transmission (via substance P). Blockade of the NK1 receptor may have potential as an adjunctive treatment for some types of pain (eg, visceral pain), but there are currently no clinical studies demonstrating an analgesic effect from maropitant. [1], [2], [3], [7]

    The drug effectively suppresses vomiting from chemotherapy, gastrointestinal diseases, intoxication, kidney disease, vestibular irritants (sickness). [4]

    Adverse reactions: pain reaction during injection. Very high doses in cats can cause hemolysis. The injections should not be mixed with any other agent as there are no compatibility studies.

    Maropitant is available as 16, 24, 60, or 160 mg tablets and 10 mg/mL injection. However, in the Russian Federation the tablet form is not available.

    Dosage: dogs, cats: 1 mg/kg daily or 2 mg/kg orally every 24 hours. To prevent motion sickness in foreign literature, tablets are used at a dose of 8 mg / kg per day for a maximum of 2 days.

    Metoclopramide. Trade name Cerucal/Reglan/Maxolon

    Antiemetic and prokinetic drug. Metoclopramide stimulates upper gastrointestinal motility and is a centrally acting antiemetic. Among the proposed mechanisms are stimulation of 5-HT (serotonin) receptors or increased release of acetylcholine in the gastrointestinal tract. Affinity for 5-HT4 receptors is low compared to other more effective motility-modifying drugs. It inhibits dopamine-induced relaxation of the stomach, thus enhancing the cholinergic responses of gastric smooth muscle to increase motility. It also increases the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. Metoclopramide acts centrally by inhibiting dopamine, which is responsible for the antiemetic effects. The antiemetic effect is achieved through its antidopamine (D2) action.

    The main effect in dogs is its antiemetic properties. Because this drug transiently increases prolactin secretion, there has been interest in its use for the treatment of agalactia in animals, but its efficacy has not been determined. [5]

    Adverse effects are associated with blockade of central dopaminergic receptors. Use in patients with epilepsy or diseases caused by obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract is unacceptable. [6]

    Most commonly used for general antiemetic purposes, but doses up to 2 mg/kg have been used to prevent vomiting during cancer chemotherapy (higher doses may cause antiserotonin effects). [3]

    Metoclopramide is available as 5 and 10 mg tablets, 1 mg/ml oral solution and 5 mg/ml injection in 2, 10 and 30 ml vials.

    Dosage: 0.2-0.5 mg/kg every 6-8 hours IV, IM or orally. For antiemetic treatment in cancer chemotherapy, the dose used is up to 2 mg/kg per day.

    Ondansetron. Trade name Latran/Emetron/Zofran/ Zofran

    Ondansetron is an antiemetic drug in a class of drugs called serotonin antagonists. Like other drugs in this class, ondansetron works by inhibiting serotonin type 3 (5-HT3) receptors.

    In cats, oral absorption is 32% from oral administration and 75% from subcutaneous administration. In dogs, it is much less bioavailable (less than 10%) after oral administration and has a shorter half-life of 30 minutes, raising questions about the clinical efficacy of ondansetron in dogs.

    Only limited information is available on the efficacy of ondansetron in animals, but ondansetron has been found to be effective for treating chemotherapy vomiting in animals. [3], [5]

    No adverse effects of ondansetron have been reported in animals. Important contraindications in animals have not been identified. Dose modification is not required in animals with renal insufficiency.

    Ondansetron is available as 4 and 8 mg tablets and 2 mg/mL injections. Dosage for dogs and cats: 0.5-1 mg/kg 30 minutes before administration of chemotherapy drugs. Other causes of vomiting: 0.2-0.3 mg/kg, slow intravenous injection and repeated every 6-12 hours. If there is no effect, increase to 0.