Ondansetron in nausea and vomiting induced by spinal morphine.

Abstract

Nausea and vomiting induced by opioids are relatively frequent in advanced cancer patients, although other factors may play a role. These effects, which tend to disappear after repeated dosing, can usually be controlled with antiemetic drugs, including metoclopramide, haloperidol, and phenothiazines. Occasionally, nausea and vomiting persist, in spite of the prolonged administration of the antiemetic treatment. We report a patient who had nausea and vomiting that was resistant to common antiemetic treatments, change in opioid drugs, and change in route of administration, and who had a complete and immediate response to parenteral or oral ondansetron.