IV drug for nausea causing problems

It has been reported in the “Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia” that ondansetron (also administered under the brand name Zofran) has caused severe cardiovascular complications for adults and children. The drug is given to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting. It has been rapidly replacing dimenhydrinate (also known as Gravol) in acute care settings in Canada.

Documented cases have revealed that even when properly administered there has been a drop in heart rate to as low as 16 beats per minute. There have also been reports of adverse events such as unusual heart rate patterns and fatal heart patterns.

Further study has been proposed for this drug and the present suggestion is for caution when using the drug at the current time.

If you have a case involving cardiac irregularities which resulted in an adverse outcome, consider checking the chart for the administration of ondansetron.