An overview of the clinical use of ondansetron in preschool age children

Ira Todd Cohen

Department of Anesthesiology, Children’s National Medical Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

Abstract: The introduction of 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist has revolutionized the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting in preschool aged children. These distressing symptoms, arising from multiple etiologies such as anesthesia, chemotherapy, and viral infection, are a major concern of patients and their families. Clinical research has demonstrated the antiemetic effectiveness of ondansetron in children. Although most of these studies focus primarily on preventing vomiting across the pediatric age group, they provide strong evidence for the use of ondansetron in preschool age children. For children at high risk, pediatric practice guidelines recommend ondansetron in conjunction with other antiemetics to achieve complete control of symptoms.

Keywords: ondansetron, children, preschool, nausea, vomiting, postoperative nausea and vomiting, chemotherapy, gastroenteritis