Ondansetron
471
Summary
Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 Serotonin receptor antagonist, used to treat nausea and vomiting. As a drug modulating serotonin, serotonin syndrome is a potential adverse effect. Another important side effect is QT prolongation, which can result in Torsades de Pointes.
Key Points
- Ondansetron
- Mechanism
- Serotonin (5-HT3) antagonist
- Acts in area postrema of medulla (vomiting centers)
- Central-acting antiemetic
- Also acts at peripheral and enteric nerves
- Decrease vagal stimulation to GI tract
- Acts in area postrema of medulla (vomiting centers)
- Serotonin (5-HT3) antagonist
- Clinical Use
- Antiemetic
- Especially in setting of GI-injury (e.g. postoperative, infection) or chemotherapy
- Antiemetic
- Adverse Effects
- Serotonin syndrome
- Any drug that modulates serotonin signaling may lead to serotonin syndrome
- QT interval prolongation
- Risk for Torsades de Pointes
- Headache
- Constipation
- Serotonin syndrome
- Mechanism