RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Ondansetron for acute gastroenteritis in children.
JF Canadian Family Physician
JO Can Fam Physician
FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada
SP 1397
OP 1398
VO 52
IS 11
A1 Sunil Mehta
A1 Ran D Goldman
YR 2006
UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/52/11/1397.abstract
AB QUESTION: In my pediatric practice I see many children with acute gastroenteritis. Their parents ask for antiemetic medications. Ondansetron has been well tolerated when used to control nausea and vomiting in patients receiving chemotherapy. Is there a role for it in managing acute gastroenteritis in children? ANSWER: Use of antiemetics is not indicated for treatment of acute gastroenteritis. Some evidence suggests ondansetron is clinically more effective and better tolerated and has a better side effect profile than other antiemetics, but does not suggest that it reduces hospital admission rates. Use of ondansetron, as with other antiemetics, continues to be at treating physicians' discretion, and potential adverse events should be considered before administration.