Ondansetron for Dogs & Cats - Tablets 4mg (per tablet) (Manufacturer may vary) - [Prevent Vomiting]

Ondansetron is an antiemetic drug used to treat or prevent severe vomiting in dogs and cats. While the FDA has approved it only for use in humans, veterinarians may prescribe it in certain situations. It is usually well tolerated by pets and can be given with or without food.

Key Features

• Treats vomiting (particularly chemotherapy associated-vomiting)
• May treat sleep apnea
• May treat pruritus in some pets

How It Works

Ondansetron is a drug that selectively inhibits serotonin 5HT3 receptors. 5HT3 receptors are located on vagal nerve terminals, enteric neurons in the GI tract, and centrally in the brain in a region called the chemoreceptor trigger zone.

Indications

Ondansetron is an antiemetic used for severe vomiting in dogs and cats. Ondansetron,metoclopramide, and maropitant are equally effective in reducing the frequency of vomiting in dogswith parvoviral enteritis. Ondansetron can be particularly effective for treating chemotherapy-associated vomiting. A study in cats found that ondansetron 0.22 mg/kg IM administered withdexmedetomidine and buprenorphine (in the same syringe) reduced the incidence (≈33%) and severityof nausea and vomiting when compared to ondansetron given 30 minutes before dexmedetomidine andbuprenorphine (67%) or when ondansetron was not given (76%).

DOGS:

Antiemetic (extra-label): Most recommend ondansetron 0.5-1 mg/kg PO or IV (slowly over 2-15minutes) every 12 hours. However, IV dosages of 0.1-0.2 mg/kg have been noted and are closer tohuman pediatric recommendations. If being used before chemotherapy, give IV (slowly) 30 minutes before; may repeat every 8-12 hours.

CATS:

Acute vomiting (extra-label): Dosage recommendations vary somewhat; 0.1-1 mg/kg IV (slowly), SC, IM, or PO every 6-12 hours. Based upon a recent pharmacokinetic study, oral doses may need tobe towards the high end and given more frequently than IV or SC. If being used before chemotherapy, give IV (slowly) 30 minutes before chemotherapy; may repeat every 6-12 hours.

Vomiting associated with chronic kidney disease (extra-label): IRIS Stage 1 or 2: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg IV,SC, PO every 6-12 hours. IRIS Stage 3: 0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV, SC, PO every 6-12 hours. IRIS Stage 4: 0.025-0.05 mg/kg IV, SC, or PO every 6-12 hours.

Reducing the incidence and severity of vomiting associated with dexmedetomidine/buprenorphine premedication (extra-label): Ondansetron 0.22 mg/kg IM administered with dexmedetomidine and buprenorphine (in the same syringe).

Precautions:

Use with caution in patients with hepatic dysfunction, as absorption may be increased because of reduced first-pass metabolism, and half-life may be prolonged; dosage adjustment may be warranted in severe hepatic impairment.

Possible Side Effects

Ondansetron appears to be well tolerated in animals.

Storage:

Unless otherwise labeled, store oral products in tight, light-resistant containers between 2°C and30°C (36°F-86°F). The injection should be stored between 2°C and 25°C (36°F-77°F) and protected from light.

Client Information

• Used to treat or prevent severe vomiting. May give oral products with or without food.
• Usually tolerated very well.
• If using compounded topical gel, wear gloves when applying.
• If using orally disintegrating tablets, protect the tablets from moisture, and be sure hands are drywhenever handling them. Place tablet on top of the animal's tongue once removed from package.