Mechanism of action of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists: clinical overview and nursing implications.
Research has shown that the emetic response is linked to serotonin and the stimulation of the 5-HT3 receptors located in several areas of the body. Consequently, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists have been developed, and many studies have demonstrated their efficacy in controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Oral formulations of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are often equally or more effective than i.v. antiemetic regimens and are well tolerated and convenient. Adverse effects associated with the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are generally mild to moderate in severity and transient in nature. A thorough patient assessment combined with a multidisciplinary approach that involves patients, nurses, physicians, and pharmacists optimizes antiemetic therapy.
Bremerkamp
M
M
St. Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, Peet Outpatient Building, 4323 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA. mbremerkamp@saint-lukes.org
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D044406:Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D044406:Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists