Tropisetron: optimal dosage for children in prevention of chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
The antiemetic efficacy and tolerability of Tropisetron (Navoban, Novartis Pharma Switzerland AG, Bern), a selective 5-hydroxytriptamine receptor antagonist, has been assessed in the prevention of acute vomiting in children receiving chemotherapy for solid tumors. Tropisetron iv was given 30 min before administration of chemotherapy at a dose of 5 mg in children <20 kg body weight and at a dose of 10 mg in those >20 kg. A total of 50 children were studied in 189 courses of chemotherapy. Control of emesis was defined as total in absence of acute vomiting, as major if 1 or 2 events of acute vomiting occurred, and as not controlled if >2 events of acute vomiting occurred. Response was studied, taking into account Tropisetron dosage, degree of emetogenicity of the chemotherapeutic agents in pretreated and non-pretreated patients, and according to age groups. Tropisetron, administered in a single daily dose of 8-12 mg/m(2), was found to be very effective in completely controlling acute emesis in 92% of the courses of moderately and highly emetogenic chemotherapy administered to pediatric patients with solid tumors. Moreover, Tropisetron, at this dosage, did not lead to any adverse effects.
Cappelli
Carlo
C
Oncology Service, Pediatric Clinic, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy. ilmiofuturo@libero.it
Ragni
Giuseppina
G
De Pasquale
Maria Debora
MD
Gonfiantini
Michaela
M
Russo
Daria
D
Clerico
Anna
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007223:Infant; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D000077526:Tropisetron; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007211:Indoles; D000077526:Tropisetron