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    Can Fam Physician. 2006 Nov;52(11):1397-8.

    Ondansetron for acute gastroenteritis in children.

    Mehta S, Goldman RD.

    Pediatric Research in Emergency Therapeutics, Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

    QUESTION: In my pediatric practice I see many children with acute gastroenteritis. Their parents ask for antiemetic medications. Ondansetron has been well tolerated when used to control nausea and vomiting in patients receiving chemotherapy. Is there a role for it in managing acute gastroenteritis in children? ANSWER: Use of antiemetics is not indicated for treatment of acute gastroenteritis. Some evidence suggests ondansetron is clinically more effective and better tolerated and has a better side effect profile than other antiemetics, but does not suggest that it reduces hospital admission rates. Use of ondansetron, as with other antiemetics, continues to be at treating physicians' discretion, and potential adverse events should be considered before administration.

    PMID: 17279195 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

    PMCID: 1783696

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    Patient drug information

    • Ondansetron (Zofran®, ZofranODT®)

      Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Ondansetron is in a class of medications called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action...