Randomized, multicenter comparison of oral granisetron and oral ondansetron for emetogenic chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the antiemetic effectiveness and safety of oral granisetron plus dexamethasone with those of oral ondansetron plus dexamethasone administered before emetogenic chemotherapy.


METHODS
Randomized, prospective, multicenter, open-label study.


METHODS
University-teaching hospital and veterans health care system.


METHODS
Sixty-one chemotherapy-naïve patients scheduled to receive emetogenic antineoplastic agents.


METHODS
A single-dose oral granisetron 1 mg and dexamethasone 12 mg or single-dose oral ondansetron 16 mg and dexamethasone 12 mg was administered before chemotherapy.


RESULTS
Twenty-four hours after administration patients were contacted to assess nausea, emesis, and adverse events. There were no statistical differences in frequency of nausea or emesis between groups. Seventy-six percent and 82% of patients receiving ondansetron and granisetron, respectively, experienced no emesis 24 hours after chemotherapy. Complete protection from nausea occurred in 58% and 46% of patients receiving the drugs, respectively. Adverse events were similar between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral granisetron 1 mg and ondansetron 16 mg plus dexamethasone are safe and effective in preventing nausea and vomiting related to emetogenic chemotherapy.
Herrington
J D
JD
Department of Pharmacy, Scott & White Memorial Hospital, Temple, TX 76508, USA.
Kwan
P
P
Young
R R
RR
Lagow
E
E
Lagrone
L
L
Riggs
M W
MW
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004639:Emetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D017829:Granisetron / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017294:Ondansetron / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003907:Dexamethasone; D004639:Emetics; D017829:Granisetron; D017294:Ondansetron