title: [On what indication should serotonin antagonists be used? A retrospective study of the use of ondansetron at an oncologic unit].
abstract: 561 chemotherapy-cycles administered to 191 patients during the period 1990-92 at the University Hospital, Tromsø, were retrospectively analysed for combination with ondansetron. 65% of the cycles were combined with ondansetron. The frequency increased from 1991 (50%) to 1992 (69%). Among moderate emetogenic regimens (MIME, MMM, High-dose MTX, EBVP, ELF) the frequency had changed from 44% to 91%. The increased ondansetron-treatment in moderate emetogenic regimens raised the total cost of treatment. Better cost-effectiveness can possibly be achieved by "low dose-ondansetron" (4 mg x 2) and more frequent supplementary use of diazepam, corticosteroids or haloperidol. Use of ondansetron regimens extending beyond 24 hours is not cost-effective. Peroral treatment is less expensive and usually adequate to control acute emesis.
authors.affiliation: Kreftavdelingen, Regionsykehuset i Tromsø.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Norum
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009664:Norway; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics; D017294:Ondansetron / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017294:Ondansetron
vernacular_title: Hvilken indikasjon skal benyttes for serotoninantagonister? En retrospektiv undersøkelse av ondansetronbruk i en onkologisk enhet.