V. Bosek, Pink Hu, L. Robinson
Mar 1, 2000
Citations
1
Influential Citations
37
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Anesthesiology
Abstract
ONDANSETRON hydrochloride (Zofran; Glaxo Wellcome Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC) antagonizes the effect of serotonin at the 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT 3 ) receptors, Serotonin is released from the enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine, stimulates the vagal afferents through the 5-HT 3 receptors, and initiates the vomiting reflex. Through its 5-HT 3 -blocking effect, ondansetron hydrochloride has been progressively introduced into the practice of anesthesiology to treat perioperative nausea and vomiting. Administration of ondansetron is believed to be safe and is associated with very few reported serious side effects. 1,2 However, we describe a patient with no history of cardiac abnormalities who experienced a severe episode of acute myocardial ischemia that occurred during the intravenous injection of ondansetron in the early postoperative period.