Ondansetron Injection

Category: Antiemetic (5-HT3 receptor antagonist)
Form: Injectable solution for intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) use

Uses:

• Prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by:

  • Chemotherapy

  • Radiotherapy

  • Postoperative procedures

• Can be used in other situations where nausea and vomiting are severe and oral medication is not feasible.

Mechanism of Action:

• Ondansetron selectively blocks serotonin (5-HT3) receptors both in the central nervous system (chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain) and in the gastrointestinal tract.

• This prevents the initiation of the vomiting reflex.

• Highly effective in chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Administration:

• Given as intravenous injection or slow IV infusion.

• Can also be administered intramuscularly if IV access is not available.

• Dosage depends on patient age, condition, and severity of nausea.

Side Effects:

• Cardiovascular: rare cases of arrhythmia or QT interval prolongation.

• Gastrointestinal: constipation, diarrhea.

• Neurological: headache, dizziness, fatigue.

• Other: transient injection site reactions.

Precautions:

• Monitor patients with heart rhythm disorders due to risk of QT prolongation.

• Use caution in patients with liver impairment.

• Avoid rapid IV push to reduce risk of side effects like dizziness or hypotension.

Summary:
Ondansetron Injection is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, especially in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and postoperative situations. It works by blocking serotonin receptors in the brain and gut, interrupting the vomiting reflex. Administration is intravenous or intramuscular, with side effects mainly including headache, constipation, and rare cardiac effects.