Ramosetron versus Ondansetron in the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Side Effects: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND: This study observed and compared the preventive effects of ramosetron and ondansetron on gastrointestinal side effects caused by cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. METHODS: Fifty patients with malignant tumors undergoing their first chemotherapy were randomly divided into two groups, and each group received 0.3 mg of ramosetron and 16 mg of ondansetron in a prospective crossover comparison study. RESULTS: Data were collected for analysis of the therapeutic effect in 47 cases and for adverse events in 50 cases. Both drugs showed similar results in regard to chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal side effects, emesis and appetite loss on day 1, but by day 5, ramosetron was significantly better than ondansetron in terms of controlling appetite loss. From days 3-5, ramosetron tended to be more effective than ondansetron in its antiemetic action. The incidence of headache, fatigue and constipation was the same for both drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Ramosetron is a long-lasting and safe antiemetic agent.