Question

In a recent trial comparing the antiemetics ondansetron (Zofran) and metoclopramide (Reglan), ondansetron was more effective and produced less severe side effects. The trial involved 24 medical centers and 307 cancer patients receiving high doses of cisplatin.

1. What type of drug is ondansetron? ......................................

A. Chemotherapeutic

B. Antipsychotic medication

C. Antibiotic

D. Antinauseant

2. When is ondansetron prescribed? .........................................

A. After cancer surgery

B. In conjunction with metoclopramide

C. When patients are receiving high-dose chemotherapy for cancer

D. Before cancer surgery

Answer 1

D.antinauseant.Ondansetron is prescribed  alone or with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy) and radiation therapy. It is also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery.

C. When patients are receiving high-dose chemotherapy for cancer.

Although ondensetron can be prescribed with the other three situations also,high dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy remains the absolute indication for ondansetron to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy/radiotherapy.