Skip to Content
A home for paediatricians. A voice for children and youth.
CPS

Emergency department use of oral ondansetron for acute gastroenteritis-related vomiting in infants and children

Posted: Dec 19, 2018


The Canadian Paediatric Society gives permission to print single copies of this document from our website. For permission to reprint or reproduce multiple copies, please see our copyright policy.

Principal author(s)

A Cheng; Canadian Paediatric Society. Updated by Marie-Joëlle Doré-Bergeron and Laurel Chauvin-Kimoff, Acute Care Committee

Abstract

Acute gastroenteritis is the most common cause of emergency room visits. Although it is usually a self-limited infection, vomiting related to this illness can cause various degrees of dehydration, leading to intravenous line or nasogastric tube insertion, electrolyte abnormalities and/or hospital admission. Ondansetron is a highly potent antiemetic drug that is effective in preventing chemotherapy- and radiation-induced nausea and vomiting with a very low risk of adverse effects. Recently, ondansetron has been used to control vomiting related to acute gastroenteritis. The present article examines evidence for the use of oral ondansetron for acute gastroenteritis-related vomiting in infants and children, and provides a recommendation for treatment based on the evidence-based review.

Keywords: Children; Emergency; Gastroenteritis; Infants; Ondansetron; Vomiting

Acute gastroenteritis is the most common cause of physician visits and hospitalizations in infants and young children. Each year in the United States, gastroenteritis accounts for approximately two to four million physician visits [1][2][3]. The estimated incidence of acute gastroenteritis in children younger than five years of age is approximately one to two episodes annually in industrialized countries [4]. In the United States, the disease accounts for 20% of all outpatient visits among younger children, and more than 200,000 hospitalizations per year [5].

Acute gastroenteritis is the most common cause of vomiting in children, and is often associated with abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea and fever [6]. It is usually a self-limited infection, and is most commonly caused by viruses such as rotavirus or norovirus [2][6]. During the course of illness, many children suffer from an inability to tolerate fluids and solids. Those with persistent vomiting are at risk of dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities and, for the more seriously affected, nasogastric (NG) or intravenous (IV) rehydration therapy and/or hospital admission may be necessary.

Ondansetron – Pharmacology and patterns of use

Antiemetic drugs are frequently used to treat vomiting in infants and children with gastroenteritis. A recent survey [7] of paediatricians, emergency physicians and paediatric emergency physicians reported that 61% of physicians had prescribed an antiemetic medication for paediatric gastroenteritis-related vomiting at least once in the previous year. Prescription patterns and use of antiemetic medications such as promethazine, metoclopramide, dimenhydrinate and domperidone vary considerably [8][9]. Although rare, worrisome adverse effects such as drowsiness, extrapyramidal reactions, hallucinations, convulsions and neuroleptic malignant syndrome must be considered when prescribing these medications [8][9].

Ondansetron is a highly potent and selective serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. When administered orally, it is rapidly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, achieving peak plasma concentrations after only 1 h to 2 h [10]-[13]. Ondansetron is safe and effective in preventing chemotherapy- and radiation-induced nausea and vomiting, as well as vomiting in postoperative patients [14]-[18]. When used in these clinical circumstances, there is a very low risk of significant adverse effects [14]-[18]. When used for gastroenteritis in infants and children, the most common side effect is diarrhea, which is usually quite mild and self-limiting [13][19]. While both the Federal Drug Administration and Health Canada have issued warnings regarding the use of ondansetron and fatal arrhythmias [20][21], current evidence does not support routine electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrolyte screening before single oral ondansetron dose administration to individuals without known risk factors [22]. Due to its favourable safety profile and absence of drowsiness as a side effect, several clinical trials have been conducted in the past 20 years to assess the efficacy of ondansetron use in paediatric gastroenteritis.

Review of paediatric evidence

Four randomized controlled studies [23]-[26] that examined the use of oral ondansetron (versus placebo) for vomiting due to acute gastroenteritis are outlined in Table 1. Studies that examined the use of IV ondansetron in acute gastroenteritis were not considered for the purposes of the present review [27]-[29]. Two recent meta-analyses, published in 2008 [30] and 2015 [31], examined the efficacy of various antiemetics and will be discussed below.

TABLE 1 Clinical trials: Use of oral ondansetron for gastroenteritis-related vomiting in infants and children
Study, year Patients, n Age range Inclusion criteria Dosing
(patient weight or age)
Results after ondansetron treatment, RR (95% CI)
          Persistent emesis in ED Receiving IV  or NG fluids Hospital admission

Ramsook et al [23], 2002

145

6 mos to 12 yrs

Gastroenteritis with recurrent vomiting in the preceding 24 hours

1.6 mg
(6 mos to 1 yr);

3.2 mg
(1 to 3 yrs);

4 mg
(4 to 12 yrs)

0.38 (0.18–0.80)

0.36 (0.14–0.92)

0.17 (0.04–0.78)

Freedman et al [24], 2006

215

6 mos to 10 yrs

Gastroenteritis with mild to moderate dehydration and vomiting in the preceding 4 hours

2 mg
(8–15 kg);

4 mg
(15–30 kg);

8 mg
(>30 kg)

0.40 (0.26–0.61)

0.46 (0.26– 0.79)

0.80 (0.22– 2.90)

Roslund et al [25], 2008

106

1 to 10 yrs

Gastroenteritis with failed oral rehydration attempt in ED

2 mg
(8–15kg);

4 mg
(15–30 kg);

6 mg
(>30 kg)

0.43 (0.20–0.94)

0.40 (0.20–0.79)

0.46 (0.12–1.79)

Marchetti et al  [26], 2016

356

1 to 6 yrs

Gastroenteritis with failed oral rehydration attempt in ED

0.15 mg/kg

versus placebo 0.41 (0.23– 0.71)

 versusplacebo 0.41 (0.20–0.83)

versus placebo 0.50 (0.20–1.22)

CI Confidence interval; ED Emergency department; IV Intravenous; mos Months; NG Nasogastic; RR Risk ratio; yr Year
In 2002, Ramsook et al [23] conducted a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial of 145 patients between six months and 12 years of age who had vomited at least five times during the preceding 24 h (Table 1). The patients were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of oral ondansetron or a taste- and colour-matched placebo; oral rehydration was commenced 15 minutes later. Patients randomly assigned to receive oral ondansetron vomited less, were less likely to receive IV fluids and less likely to be subsequently admitted to hospital.
 
In 2006, Freedman et al [24] published a study that enrolled 215 children six months to 10 years of age from a paediatric emergency department (ED) (Table 1). Children were recruited if they had at least one episode of nonbilious, nonbloody vomiting in the preceding 4 h, and mild to moderate dehydration on initial assessment in the ED, based on a dehydration score. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive an orally disintegrating ondansetron tablet or placebo, and were started on oral rehydration therapy 15 min after receiving the tablet, via a standardized protocol. The investigators found that children who received a single dose of oral ondansetron were less likely to vomit, had greater oral intake and were less likely to be treated with IV fluids compared with children who received a placebo. There was no difference in the rate of hospitalization between the ondansetron group and the placebo group.

In 2008, Roslund et al [25] published a study in which they enrolled 106 children one to 10 years of age from a combined adult and paediatric ED (Table 1). Children were recruited if they had a clinical diagnosis of acute gastritis or gastroenteritis, mild to moderate dehydration and had failed controlled oral rehydration in the ED. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive a single weight-based dose of oral ondansetron or placebo, and were restarted on the oral rehydration protocol 30 min later. The investigators found that children who received oral ondansetron were less likely to receive IV fluids and less likely to be admitted to hospital compared with children who received a placebo.

In 2016, Marchetti et al [26] published a study in which 356 children from one to six years of age with acute gastroenteritis were randomized to receive either a single dose of oral ondansetron, domperidone or a placebo in the emergency department after failure of initial oral rehydration administration. Oral rehydration was commenced 45 to 60 minutes later. Ondansetron reduced the relative risk of IV hydration by more than 50% compared with both placebo and domperidone. There was no difference in adverse events among the three groups.

DeCamp et al [30] published a meta-analysis in 2008 specifically to examine the use of various antiemetic drugs for children with acute gastroenteritis. As part of their analysis, they reviewed six different studies involving ondansetron; three studies described above [23]-[25] and three other studies involving the use of IV ondansetron [27]-[29]. Their analysis included data obtained from the original publications, as well as data from personal communications with the original authors. The results of their combined analysis of oral and IV ondansetron studies showed that subjects treated with ondansetron were at decreased risk for further emesis in the ED, IV fluid administration and hospital admission (RRs and 95% CIs are reported in Table 1). The most significant adverse event noted from the various studies was an increased risk of diarrhea up to 48 h after administration of ondansetron. No other adverse events were common across all studies.

Freedman et al [31] published a systematic review and meta-analysis in 2015 examining gastroenteritis therapies for children <18 years old in developed countries. All studies involving antiemetics demonstrated a reduction in the primary outcome of IV rehydration use. Ondansetron was the antiemetic used in six of these nine studies.

Conclusion

Oral ondansetron therapy, as a single dose for paediatric gastroenteritis, is effective in reducing the frequency of vomiting and IV fluid administration in infants and children six months to 12 years of age who present to the ED with mild to moderate dehydration or who have failed a trial of oral rehydration therapy. Evidence suggests that oral ondansetron may be effective in reducing hospital admissions. The most common side effect of the administration of oral ondansetron in this context is diarrhea, which is usually self-limited in nature and lasts less than 48 h. Further studies are required to address its use and efficacy in the out-of-hospital setting.

Recommendations

Oral ondansetron therapy, as a single dose, should be considered for infants and children age six months and older who present to the ED with vomiting related to suspected acute gastroenteritis, and who have mild to moderate dehydration or who have failed oral rehydration therapy. Because the most common side effect of ondansetron is diarrhea, its use is not routinely recommended in children with gastroenteritis whose predominant symptom is moderate to severe diarrhea. Ondansetron dosage is 0.15 mg/kg in liquid format (to a maximum dose of 8 mg). Alternatively, a reasonable weight-based oral dosing regimen for infants and children is the following:

  • 8 kg to 15 kg: 2 mg
  • 15 kg to 30 kg: 4 mg
  • Greater than 30 kg: 6 mg to 8 mg

Oral rehydration therapy should be initiated 15 min to 30 min after administration of oral ondansetron. The use of a single dose of oral ondansetron is recommended, as there are no benefits seen with multi-dose therapy [22].

Acknowledgements

The following Canadian Paediatric Society committees reviewed this practice point: Community Paediatrics, Drug Therapy and Hazardous Substances, Infectious Diseases and Immunization, and Nutrition and Gastroenterology.


ACUTE CARE COMMITTEE

Members: Adam Cheng MD; Catherine Farrell MD; Jeremy Friedman MD; Marie Gauthier MD (Board Representative); Angelo Mikrogianakis MD (Chair); Oliva Ortiz-Alvarez MD
Liaisons: Laurel Chauvin-Kimoff MD, Paediatric Emergency Medicine Section, Canadian Paediatric Society; Dawn Hartfield MD, Hospital Paediatrics Section, Canadian Paediatric Society
Principal author: Adam Cheng MD
Updated by: Marie-Joëlle Doré-Bergeron and Laurel Chauvin-Kimoff


References

  1. Elliott EJ. Acute gastroenteritis in children. BMJ 2007;334:35-40.
  2. King CK, Glass R, Bresee JS, Duggan C; Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Managing acute gastroenteritis among children: Oral rehydration, maintenance and nutritional therapy. MMWR Recomm Rep 2003;52:1-16.
  3. Malek MA, Curns AT, Holman RC, et al. Diarrhea- and rotavirus-associated hospitalizations among children less than 5 years of age: United States, 1997 and 2000. Pediatrics 2006;117:1887-92.
  4. Santosham M. Oral rehydration therapy: Reverse transfer of technology. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2002;156:1177-9.
  5. Pinkerton CR, Williams D, Wootton C, Meller ST, McElwain TJ. 5-HT3 antagonist ondansetron – an effective outpatient antiemetic in cancer treatment. Arch Dis Child 1990;65:822-5.
  6. Northrup RS, Flanigan TP. Gastroenteritis. Pediatr Rev 1994;15:461-72.
  7. Kwon KT, Rudkin SE, Langdorf MI. Antiemetic use in pediatric gastroenteritis: A national survey of emergency physicians, pediatricians, and pediatric emergency physicians. Clin Pediatr 2002;41:641-52.
  8. Culy CR, Bhana N, Plosker GL. Ondansetron: A review of its use as an antiemetic in children. Pediatr Drugs 2001;3:441-79.
  9. Pfeil N, Uhlig U, Kostev K, et al. Antiemetic medications in children with presumed infectious gastroenteritis — pharmacoepidemiology in Europe and North America. J Pediatr 2008;153;659-62.
  10. Murray KF, Christie DL. Vomiting. Pediatr Rev 1998;19:337-41.
  11. Roila F, Del Favero A. Ondansetron clinical pharmacokinetics. Clin Pharmacokinet 1995;29:95-109.
  12. Scuderi PE. Pharmacology of antiemetics. Int Anesthesiol Clin 2003;41:41-66.
  13. Leung AK, Robson WL. Acute gastroenteritis in children; role of anti-emetic medication for gastroenteritis-related vomiting. Pediatr Drugs 2007;9:175-84.
  14. Jürgens H, McQuade B. Ondansetron as prophylaxis for chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced emesis in children. Oncology 1992;49:279-85.
  15. Lippens RJ, Broeders GC. Ondansetron in radiation therapy of brain tumor in children. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 1996;13:247-52.
  16. Glass RI, Lew JF, Gangarosa RE, LeBaron CW, Ho MS. Estimates of morbidity and mortality rates for diarrheal diseases in American children. J Pediatr 1991;118:S27-33.
  17. Domino KB, Anderson EA, Polissar NL, Posner KL. Comparative efficacy and safety of ondansetron, droperidol and metoclopramide for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting: A meta-analysis. Anesth Analg 1999;88:1370-9.
  18. Splinter WM, Rhine EJ, Roberts DW, et al. Ondansetron is a better prophylactic antiemetic than droperidol for tonsillectomy in children. Can J Anaesth 1995;42:848-51.
  19. Li ST, DiGiuseppe D, Christakis DA. Antiemetic use for acute gastroenteritis in children. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2003;157:475-9.
  20. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA drug safety communication: New information regarding QT prolongation with ondansetron (Zofran): https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm310190.htm (Accessed September 20, 2018).
  21. Government of Canada. Recalls and Safety Alerts. ZOFRAN (ondansetron) – Association with Changes in Electrical Activity in the Heart – For Health Professionals, October 3, 2012: http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2012/15080a-eng.php (Accessed September 20, 2018).
  22. Freedman SB, Uleryk E, Rumantir M, Finkelstein Y. Ondansetron and the risk of cardiac arrhythmias: A systematic review and postmarketing analysis. Ann Emerg Med 2014;64(1):19-25.
  23. Ramsook C, Sahagun-Carreon I, Kozinetz CA, Moro-Sutherland D. A randomized clinical trial comparing oral ondansetron with placebo in children with vomiting from acute gastroenteritis. Ann Emerg Med 2002;39(4):397-403.
  24. Freedman SB, Adler M, Seshadri R, Powell EC. Oral ondansetron for gastroenteritis in a pediatric emergency department. N Engl J Med 2006;354:1698-705.
  25. Roslund G, Hepps TS, McQuillen KK. The role of oral ondansetron in children with vomiting as a result of acute gastritis/gastroenteritis who have failed oral rehydration therapy: A randomized controlled trial. Ann Emerg Med 2008;52:22-9.
  26. Marchetti F, Bonati M, Maestro A, et al. Oral ondansetron versus domperidone for acute gastroenteritis in pediatric emergency departments: Multicenter double blind randomized controlled trial. PLoS ONE 2016;11(11):e0165441.
  27. Cubeddu LX, Trujillo LM, Talmaciu I, et al. Antiemetic activity of ondansetron in acute gastroenteritis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1997;11:185-91.
  28. Reeves JJ, Shannon MW, Fleisher GR. Ondansetron decreases vomiting associated with acute gastroenteritis: A randomized, controlled trial. Pediatrics 2002;109:e62.
  29. Stork CM, Brown KM, Reilly TH, Secreti L, Brown LH. Emergency department treatment of viral gastritis using intravenous ondansetron or dexamethasone in children. Acad Emerg Med 2006;13:1027-33.
  30. DeCamp LR, Byerley JS, Doshi N, Steiner MJ. Use of antiemetic agents in acute gastroenteritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2008;162:858-65.
  31. Freedman SB, Pasichnyk D, Black KJL, et al. Gastroenteritis therapies in developed countries: Systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE 2015;10(6):e0128754.

Disclaimer: The recommendations in this position statement do not indicate an exclusive course of treatment or procedure to be followed. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate. Internet addresses are current at time of publication.

Last updated: Feb 7, 2024