Ondansetron is an antiemetic after surgery

Ondansetron belongs to the group of 5-HT3 antagonists, the drug can be used alone. However, when using drugs to fight nausea caused by cancer treatment, it can be combined with some other drugs.
Ondansetron's effects not only stop at anti-emetic during and after surgery, but also effectively block one of the body's natural substances (serotonin) that causes vomiting.
Ondansetron has an inhibitory effect on the initiation of reflexes on nerves in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Ondansetron has no extrapyramidal side effects because it is not a dopamine receptor blocker.
In the treatment of cancer, Ondansetron is indicated as an anti-nausea and vomiting drug, when the patient is resistant or has many adverse effects to conventional antiemetic therapy. Even to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by radiation therapy, Ondansetron also provides rapid effect.
However, to avoid extrapyramidal reactions, physicians should be careful when prescribing to young patients (under 45 years of age). The drug is still indicated for use in elderly patients.

For cases, patients are being treated with chemicals such as bleomycin, busulfan, cyclophosphamide dose less than 1000 mg, etoposide, 5-fluorouracil, vinblastin, vincristine... are not prescribed Ondansetron. Because these are chemicals with low vomiting potential.
Patients who are sensitive to the ingredients of Ondansetron, should not use the drug to avoid causing the side effects of Ondansetron.
Ondansetron drugs include the following forms and dosages:
Injections with a dosage of 2 mg/ml (2 ml, 20 ml). Ondansetron infusion at a dose of 32 mg/50 ml of 5% dextrose solution, with citric acid and sodium citrate buffer, without preservatives. Ondansetron tablets dosage 4mg, 8mg as hydrochloride dihydrate. Ondansetron also has oral solution dosage 4 mg/5 ml

2.1. The way Ondansetron is taken is different from other tablets. If other drugs can be taken orally or chewed, Ondansetron should only be dissolved on the tip of the tongue. Patients should wash their hands and let them dry before use.
The preservation of medicines is more important than ever. To promote the full effect of Ondansetron, you need to store the medicine carefully, keep it in a dry place, away from light. Avoid humid places such as bathrooms, freezers. For safety always keep out of reach of children. Like other medicines, Ondansetron needs to be disposed of properly: Do not throw it into the toilet, water pipes,...
The medicine can be stored in a vial or blister, so keep the blister dry, not in contact with the air. gas. Use the medicine immediately after opening the bottle. The following note when taking the medicine will help you not to have a headache: Let the medicine dissolve completely on the tip of the tongue, then swallow the saliva. It is not necessary to drink water after taking the medicine, because it will cause a headache.
The drug is used 30 minutes before starting treatment. In case, patients receiving radiation therapy, the time to use is before 1-2 hours. If surgery is carried out, patients need to take medication 1 hour before surgery.
Besides, you also need to strictly follow the instructions of your doctor when taking the drug to bring about the effect of Ondansetron.

2.2. Dosage Dosage for prevention of vomiting caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy:
Adults: Depending on each patient, the dose of Ondansetron may vary, from 8 - 32 mg/24 hours intravenously or orally . Specifically: Inject 8mg slowly intravenously before chemotherapy or radiation therapy. At 12 o'clock, give another 8 mh drink. After 24 hours to prevent late and prolonged vomiting, it is possible to continue taking 8 mg, twice a day 4 hours apart, for up to 5 days after 1 course of treatment. In the case of chemotherapy patients vomiting a lot, it is necessary to perform slow intravenous injection of 8mg before chemotherapy. Then, add 2 additional doses of 8 mg IV every 2 to 4 hours, or a continuous infusion of 1 mg/hour for up to 24 hours. Before chemotherapy, make 1 single 32 mg mixed in 50-100 ml of infusion solution and infuse for no less than 15 minutes immediately before chemotherapy. May continue to take 8 mg, 2 times / day, for 2-5 days after chemotherapy to prevent late vomiting. Children 4 - 12 years old: Before chemotherapy, inject 1 intravenous dose of 5 mg/m2 body surface area (or 0.15 mg/kg). Then give 4 mg every 12 hours, for up to 5 days. Dosage for prevention of vomiting and nausea after surgery:
Adults and the elderly: 1 hour before anesthesia 4mg intramuscularly or intravenously and 16mg pre-anesthesia. Children (over 2 years): During or after pre-anesthesia, 0.1 mg/kg IV, maximum 4 mg. Patients with cirrhosis and liver failure can use up to 8mg/day

The effect of Ondansetron is only anti-nausea, not vomiting, so it is not in the treatment purpose. When using the drug, there are a few things to be careful about:
To get the best effect, only use the drug within the first 24 - 48 hours of chemotherapy. Elderly people with liver failure or people with intestinal obstruction need to be careful when using the drug. Although there is no information on whether the drug crosses the placenta, pregnant and lactating women need to be cautious when using the drug.

Some mild side effects that patients may experience are headache, fever, sedation, constipation, diarrhea. Side effects of Ondansetron that may be more serious are muscle weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, anaphylaxis, rash, seizures, trouble breathing.
Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, patients can rest assured to visit examination and treatment at the Hospital.
To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide, or register online HERE.

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