Randomized double-blind comparison of three dose levels of intravenous ondansetron in the prevention of cisplatin-induced emesis

The selective 5-hydroxytryptamine₃ (5HT₃) antagonist ondansetron has been shown to be an effective antiemetic in patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy. This double-blind study compared the efficacy and safety of three doses of intravenous ondansetron in the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with high-dose (100 mg/m²) cisplatin chemotherapy. A total of 125 patients were randomized (111) to receive 0.015, 0.15, or 0.30 mg/kg every 4 h for a total of 3 doses. All patients were monitored for emetic episodes, adverse events, and laboratory safety parameters for 24 h following cisplatin administration. The 0.15-mg/kg dose was superior to the 0.015-mg/kg dose with respect to the median number of emetic episodes (P=0.033) and complete response (no emetic episodes,P=0.005). No statistically significant difference was found between the 0.15 and the 0.30-mg/kg groups. The most common adverse event was headache. Three 0.15-mg/kg doses of intravenous ondansetron are safe, effective, and adequate for the control of cisplatin-induced emesis.This study was supported by a grant from Glaxo Inc.