[Evaluation of the anti-emetic effectiveness of two drug formulations of Ondansetron in combined chemotherapy for children with malignant tumors]

Abstract

A double-blind randomized comparison (protocol S3AB4003, Glaxo Wellcome, Great Britain) carried out in a group of 52 children showed that the 5-HT3-receptor antagonist ondansetron (in syrup) effectively prevented vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite caused in combination chemotherapy with highly- or moderately emetogenic cytostatic drugs in 92.3; 69.3 and 81.0%, respectively. Treatment was given to patients who were on dexamethasone. With intravenous injection of ondansetron plus dexamethasone, per os, said indices were 88.5; 73.2%; 73.2%, respectively, thus showing no significant differences. No side-effects were observed with either regimen.