Indostron Injection –
Ondansetron Injection BP 4mg/2ml
COMPOSITION
Each ml contains:
Ondansetron Hydrochloride Dihydrate BP
Equivalent to Ondansetron 2mg
Water for Injection BP q.s
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiemetics and antinauseants, Serotonin (5HT3) antagonists
ATC Code: A04AA01
Ondansetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. While ondansetron’s mechanism of action has not been fully characterized, it is not a dopamine-receptor antagonist. Serotonin receptors of the 5-HT3 type are present both peripherally on vagal nerve terminals and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema. It is not certain whether ondansetron’s antiemetic action in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is mediated centrally, peripherally, or in both sites. However, cytotoxic chemotherapy appears to be associated with release of serotonin from the enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine. In humans, urinary 5-HIAA (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) excretion increases after cisplatin administration in parallel with the onset of vomiting. The released 1 serotonin may stimulate the vagal afferents through the 5-HT3 receptors and initiate the vomiting reflex. In animals, the emetic response to cisplatin can be prevented by pretreatment with an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, bilateral abdominal vagotomy and greater splanchnic nerve section, or pretreatment with a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. In normal volunteers, single I.V. doses of 0.15 mg/kg of ondansetron had no effect on esophageal motility, gastric motility, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, or small intestinal transit time. In another study in six normal male volunteers, a 16-mg dose infused over 5 minutes showed no effect of the drug on cardiac output, heart rate, stroke volume, blood pressure, or electrocardiogram (ECG). Multiday administration of ondansetron has been shown to slow colonic transit in normal volunteers. Ondansetron has no effect on plasma prolactin concentrations. In a gender-balanced pharmacodynamic study (n = 56), ondansetron 4 mg administered intravenously or intramuscularly was dynamically similar in the prevention of nausea and vomiting using the ipecacuanha model of emesis. Ondansetron does not alter the respiratory depressant effects produced by alfentanil or the degree of neuromuscular blockade produced by atracurium. Interactions with general or local anesthetics have not been studied.
Pharmacokinetic properties
The pharmacokinetic properties of ondansetron are unchanged on repeat dosing.
A direct correlation of plasma concentration and anti-emetic effect has not been established.
Absorption
Following oral administration, ondansetron is passively and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes first pass metabolism (Bioavailability is about 60%.). Peak plasma concentrations of about 30 ng/ml are attained approximately 1.5 hours after an 8 mg dose. For doses above 8 mg the increase in ondansetron systemic exposure with dose is greater than proportional; this may reflect some reduction in first pass metabolism at higher oral doses. Bioavailability, following oral administration, is slightly enhanced by the presence of food but unaffected by antacids.
A 4 mg intravenous infusion of ondansetron given over 5 minutes results in peak plasma concentrations of about 65 ng/ml. Following intramuscular administration of ondansetron, peak plasma concentrations of about 25 ng/ml are attained within 10 minutes of injection.
Distribution
The disposition of ondansetron following oral, intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) dosing is similar with a steady state volume of distribution of about 140 L. Equivalent systemic exposure is achieved after IM and IV administration of ondansetron.
Ondansetron is not highly protein bound (70-76%).
Metabolism
Ondansetron is cleared from the systemic circulation predominantly by hepatic metabolism through multiple enzymatic pathways. The absence of the enzyme CYP2D6 (the debrisoquine polymorphism) has no effect on ondansetron’s pharmacokinetics.
Excretion
Less than 5% of the absorbed dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. Terminal half life is about 3 hours.
Special Patient Populations
Children and Adolescents (aged 1 month to 17 years)
In paediatric patients aged 1 to 4 months (n=19) undergoing surgery, weight normalised clearance was approximately 30% slower than in patients aged 5 to 24 months (n=22) but comparable to the patients aged 3 to 12 years. The half-life in the patient population aged 1 to 4 month was reported to average 6.7 hours compared to 2.9 hours for patients in the 5 to 24 month and 3 to 12 year age range. The differences in pharmacokinetic parameters in the 1 to 4 month patient population can be explained in part by the higher percentage of total body water in neonates and infants and a higher volume of distribution for water soluble drugs like ondansetron.
In a study of 21 paediatric patients aged between 3 and 12 years undergoing elective surgery with general anaesthesia, the absolute values for both the clearance and volume of distribution of ondansetron following a single intravenous dose of 2 mg (3-7 years old) or 4 mg (8-12 years old) were reduced. The magnitude of the change was age-related, with clearance falling from about 300 ml/min at 12 years of age to 100 ml/min at 3 years. Volume of distribution fell from about 75 L at 12 years to 17 L at 3 years. Use of weight-based dosing (0.1 mg/kg up to 4 mg maximum) compensates for these changes and is effective in normalising systemic exposure in paediatric patients.
Based on the population pharmacokinetic parameters for subjects aged 1 month to 48 months, administration of a 0.15 mg/kg i.v. dose of ondansetron every 4 hours for 3 doses would result in a systematic exposure (AUC) comparable to that observed in paediatric surgery subjects aged 5 to 24 months and previous paediatric studies in cancer (aged 4 to 18 years) and surgical (aged 3 to 12 years) subjects, at similar doses.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on 428 subjects (cancer patients, surgery patients and healthy volunteers) aged 1 month to 44 years following intravenous administration of ondansetron. Based on this analysis, systemic exposure (AUC) of ondansetron following oral or IV dosing in children and adolescents was comparable to adults, with the exception of infants aged 1 to 4 months. Volume was related to age and was lower in adults than in infants and children. Clearance was related to weight but not to age with the exception of infants aged 1 to 4 months. It is difficult to conclude whether there was an additional reduction in clearance related to age in infants 1 to 4 months or simply inherent variability due to the low number of subjects studied in this age group. Since patients less than 6 months of age will only receive a single dose in PONV a decreased clearance is not likely to be clinically relevant.
Elderly persons
Studies in healthy elderly volunteers have shown slight age-related increases in both oral bioavailability (65%) and half-life (5 hours).
Renal impairment
In patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance 15-60 ml/min), both systemic clearance and volume of distribution are reduced following IV administration of ondansetron, resulting in a slight, but clinically insignificant, increase in elimination half-life (5.4 h). A study in patients with severe renal impairment who required regular haemodialysis (studied between dialyses) showed ondansetron’s pharmacokinetics to be essentially unchanged following IV administration.
Hepatic impairment
Following oral, intravenous or intramuscular dosing in patients with severe hepatic impairment, ondansetron’s systemic clearance is markedly reduced with prolonged elimination half-lives (15-32 h) and an oral bioavailability approaching 100% due to reduced pre-systemic metabolism.
Gender differences
Gender differences were shown in the disposition of ondansetron, with females having a greater rate and extent of absorption following an oral dose and reduced systemic clearance and volume of distribution (adjusted for weight).
INDICATION AND USAGE
Ondansetron is indicated for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and for the prevention and treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
Paediatric Population:
Ondansetron is indicated for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in children aged ≥6 months, and for the prevention and treatment of PONV in children aged ≥1 month.
CONTRA-INDICATION
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to other selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (e.g. granisetron, dolasetron) or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Concomitant use with apomorphine.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Effects of ondansetron on other medicinal products
There is no evidence that ondansetron either induces or inhibits the metabolism of other drugs commonly coadministered with it. Specific studies have shown that ondansetron does not interact with alcohol, temazepam, furosemide, alfentanil, morphine, lignocaine, propofol and thiopental.
Effects of other medicinal products on ondansetron
Ondansetron does not itself appear to induce or inhibit the cytochrome P-450 drug-metabolizing enzyme system of the liver. Because ondansetron is metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P-450
drug-metabolizing enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP1A2), inducers or inhibitors of these enzymes may change the clearance and, hence, the half-life of ondansetron. On the basis of limited available data, no dosage adjustment is recommended for patients on these drugs. Apomorphine: Based on reports of profound hypotension and loss of consciousness when ondansetron was administered with apomorphine hydrochloride, concomitant use with apomorphine is contraindicated.
Phenytoin, carbamazepine and rifampicin: In patients treated with potent inducers of CYP3A4 (i. e. phenytoin, carbamazepine and rifampicin), the oral clearance of ondansetron was increased and ondansetron blood concentrations were decreased.
Tramadol: Data from small studies indicate that ondansetron may reduce the analgesic effect of tramadol.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity to other selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists.
Ondansetron is not a drug that stimulates gastric or intestinal peristalsis. It should not be used instead of nasogastric suction. The use of ondansetron in patients following abdominal surgery or in patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting may mask a progressive ileus and/or gastric distention.
Rarely and predominantly with intravenous ondansetron, transient ECG changes including QT
interval prolongation have been reported.
SIDE EFFECTS
The following frequency terminology is used:
very common: ≥1/10; common: ≥1/100 to <1/10; uncommon: ≥1/1,000 to <1/100; rare: ≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000; very rare: <1/10,000; not known: cannot be established from the available data
Immune system disorders
Rare:
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions, sometimes severe including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis may be fatal.
Hypersensitivity reactions were also observed in patients, who were sensitive towards other selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists.
Nervous system disorders
Very common:
Headache.
Uncommon:
There have been reports suggestive of involuntary movement disorders such as extrapyramidal reactions, e.g. oculogyric crisis/dystonic reactions and dyskinesia without definitive evidence of persistent clinical sequelae and seizures (e.g. epileptic spasms) have been observed although no known pharmacological mechanism can account for ondansetron causing these effects.
Rare:
Dizziness during rapid intravenous administration.
Very rare:
Depression.
Eye disorders
Rare:
Transient visual disturbances (e.g. blurred vision) during rapid intravenous administration.
Very rare:
In individual cases transitory blindness was reported in patients receiving chemotherapeutic agents including cisplatin. Most reported cases were resolved within 20 minutes. Some cases of transient blindness were reported as cortical in origin.
Cardiac disorders
Uncommon:
Chest pain with or without ST segment depression, cardiac arrhythmias and bradycardia. Chest pain and cardiac arrhythmias may be fatal in individual cases.
Rare:
Transitory changes in the electrocardiogram, QTc prolongation (including Torsades de Pointes)
Vascular disorders
Common:
Sensations of flushing or warmth.
Uncommon:
Hypotension.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Uncommon:
Hiccups.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Common:
Ondansetron is known to increase the large bowel transit time and may cause constipation in some patients.
Hepatobiliary disorders
Uncommon:
Asymptomatic increases in liver function tests were observed. These reactions were frequently observed in patients under chemotherapy with cisplatin.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Uncommon:
Hypersensitivity reactions around the injection site (e.g. rash, urticaria, itching) may occur, sometimes extending along the drug administration vein.
General disorders and administration site conditions
Common:
Local reactions at the IV injection site.
Paediatric population
The adverse event profile in children and adolescents was comparable to that seen in adults.
EFFECTS ON ABILITY TO DRIVE AND USE MACHINES
Ondansetron 2 mg/ml has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
OVERDOSE
Little is known at present about overdosage with ondansetron, however, a limited number of patients received overdoses. In the majority of cases, symptoms were similar to those already reported in patients receiving recommended doses. Manifestations that have been reported include visual disturbances, severe constipation, hypotension and a vasovagal episode with transient second degree AV block. In all instances, the events resolved completely. Ondansetron prolongs the QT interval in a dose-dependent fashion. ECG monitoring is recommended in cases of overdose.
There is no specific antidote for ondansetron, therefore in all cases of suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive therapy should be given as appropriate. The use of ipecacuanha to treat overdose with ondansetron is not recommended, as patients are unlikely to respond due to the anti-emetic action of ondansetron itself.
Paediatric population
Paediatric cases consistent with serotonin syndrome have been reported after inadvertent oral overdoses of ondansetron (exceeded estimated ingestion of 4 mg/kg) in infants and children aged 12 months to 2 years.
DOSAGE & MODE OF ADMINISTRATION
Posology
For intravenous injection or for intravenous infusion after dilution.
For instructions on dilution of the product before administration.
Prescribers intending to use ondansetron in the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in adults, adolescents or children should take into consideration current practice and appropriate guidelines.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced nausea and vomiting
Adults
The emetogenic potential of cancer treatment varies according to the doses and combinations of chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens used. The dose range of ondansetron solution for injection or infusion is 8-32 mg a day and selected as shown below.
Emetogenic chemotherapy and radiotherapy
For patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy or radiotherapy ondansetron can be given either by intravenous or other routes of administration, however this product is for intravenous use only.
The recommended intravenous dose of ondansetron is 8 mg administered as a slow injection (in not less than 30 seconds) or as an infusion over 15 minutes immediately before treatment, followed by treatment with dosage forms other than intravenous.
Treatment with dosage forms other than intravenous is recommended to protect against delayed or prolonged emesis after the first 24 hours.
Highly emetogenic chemotherapy
For patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy, e.g. high-dose cisplatin, ondansetron can be given by intravenous or other routes of administration, however this product is for intravenous use only.
Ondansetron has been shown to be equally effective in the following intravenous dose schedules over the first 24 hours of chemotherapy:
• A single dose of 8 mg by slow intravenous injection (in not less than 30 seconds) immediately before chemotherapy.
• A dose of 8 mg by slow intravenous injection (in not less than 30 seconds) or as a short-time intravenous infusion over 15 minutes immediately before chemotherapy, followed by two further intravenous doses of 8 mg four hours apart, or by a constant infusion of 1 mg/hour for up to 24 hours.
• A maximum initial intravenous dose of 16 mg diluted in 50-100 ml of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 % w/v) solution or other compatible infusion fluid (see compatibility with solutions for infusion under section 6.6) and infused over not less than 15 minutes immediately before chemotherapy. The initial dose of Ondansetron may be followed by two additional 8 mg intravenous doses (in not less than 30 seconds) four hours apart. A single dose greater than 16 mg must not be given due to dose dependent increase of QT-prolongation risk.
The selection of dose regimen should be determined by the severity of the emetogenic challenge.
The efficacy of ondansetron in highly emetogenic chemotherapy may be enhanced by the addition of a single intravenous dose of dexamethasone sodium phosphate, 20 mg administered prior to chemotherapy.
To protect against delayed or prolonged emesis after the first 24 hours, ondansetron treatment with dosage forms other than intravenous should be continued after a course of treatment.
Paediatric Population:
CINV in children aged ≥ 6 months and adolescents
The dose for CINV can be calculated based on body surface area (BSA) or weight – see below. Weight-based dosing results in higher total daily doses compared to BSA-based dosing.
Ondansetron injection should be diluted in 5% glucose or 0.9% sodium chloride or other compatible infusion fluid and infused intravenously over not less than 15 minutes. There are no data from controlled clinical trials on the use of Ondansetron in the prevention of delayed or prolonged CINV. There are no data from controlled clinical trials on the use of Ondansetron for radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children.
Dosing by BSA:
Ondansetron should be administered immediately before chemotherapy as a single intravenous dose of 5 mg/m2. The intravenous dose must not exceed 8 mg.
Oral dosing can commence twelve hours later and may be continued for up to 5 days (Table 1).
The total daily dose must not exceed adult dose of 32 mg.
Table 1: BSA-based dosing for Chemotherapy – Children aged ≥6 months and adolescents
BSA
Day 1(a,b)
Days 2-6(b)
< 0.6 m2
5 mg/m2 i.v. plus 2 mg syrup after 12 hrs
2 mg syrup every 12 hrs
≥ 0.6 m2
5 mg/m2 i.v. plus 4 mg syrup or tablet after 12 hrs
4 mg syrup or tablet every 12 hrs
a The intravenous dose must not exceed 8mg.
b The total daily dose must not exceed adult dose of 32 mg
Dosing by bodyweight:
Weight-based dosing results in higher total daily doses compared to BSA-based dosing..
Ondansetron should be administered immediately before chemotherapy as a single intravenous dose of 0.15 mg/kg. The intravenous dose must not exceed 8 mg. Two further intravenous doses may be given in 4-hourly intervals. The total daily dose must not exceed adult dose of 32 mg.
Oral dosing can commence twelve hours later and may be continued for up to 5 days (Table 2).
Table 2: Weight-based dosing for Chemotherapy – Children aged ≥6 months and adolescents
Weight
Day 1 (a,b)
Days 2-6(b)
≤ 10 kg
Up to 3 doses of 0.15 mg/kg every 4 hrs
2 mg syrup every 12 hrs
> 10 kg
Up to 3 doses of 0.15 mg/kg every 4 hrs
4 mg syrup or tablet every 12 hrs
a The intravenous dose must not exceed 8mg.
b The total daily dose must not exceed adult dose of 32 mg.
Elderly
In patients 65 to 74 years of age, the dose schedule for adults can be followed. All intravenous doses should be diluted in 50-100 ml of saline or other compatible infusion fluid and infused over 15 minutes.
In patients 75 years of age or older, the initial intravenous dose should not exceed 8 mg. All intravenous doses should be diluted in 50-100 ml of saline or other compatible infusion fluid and infused over 15 minutes. The initial dose of 8 mg may be followed by two further intravenous doses of 8 mg, infused over 15 minutes and given no less than four hours apart.
Please refer also to “Special Populations”.
Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
Prevention of PONV
Adults: For the prevention of PONV ondansetron can be administered by intravenous injection or other dosage forms.
Ondansetron may be administered as a single dose of 4 mg given by slow intravenous injection at induction of anaesthesia.
Treatment of established PONV
For treatment of established PONV a single dose of 4 mg given by slow intravenous injection is recommended.
Paediatric population
PONV in children aged ≥ 1 month and adolescents
For prevention of PONV in paediatric patients having surgery performed under general anaesthesia, a single dose of ondansetron may be administered by slow intravenous injection (not less than 30 seconds) at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg up to a maximum of 4 mg either prior to, at or after induction of anaesthesia.
For the treatment of PONV after surgery in paediatric patients having surgery performed under general anaesthesia, a single dose of ondansetron may be administered by slow intravenous injection (not less than 30 seconds) at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg up to a maximum of 4 mg. There are no data on the use of ondansetron in the treatment of PONV in children below 2 years of age.
For treatment of established PONV in paediatric patients and adolescents, ondansetron may be administered by slow intravenous injection at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg up to a maximum of 4 mg.
Elderly
There is limited experience in the use of ondansetron in the prevention and treatment of PONV in the elderly, however ondansetron is well tolerated in patients over 65 years receiving chemotherapy.
Please refer also to “Special Populations”.
Special Populations
Patients with renal impairment
No alteration of daily dosage or frequency of dosing, or route of administration is required.
Patients with hepatic impairment
Clearance of ondansetron is significantly reduced and serum half life significantly prolonged in subjects with moderate or severe impairment of hepatic function. In such patients a total daily dose of 8 mg should not be exceeded.
Patients with poor sparteine/debrisoquine metabolism
The elimination half-life of ondansetron is not altered in subjects classified as poor metabolisers of sparteine and debrisoquine. Consequently in such patients repeat dosing will give drug exposure levels no different from those of the general population. No alteration of daily dosage or frequency of dosing is required.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION
Women of childbearing potential:
Women of childbearing potential should consider the use of contraception.
Pregnancy:
Based on human experience from epidemiological studies, ondansetron is suspected to cause orofacial malformations when administered during the first trimester of pregnancy.
In one cohort study including 1.8 million pregnancies, first trimester ondansetron use was associated with an increased risk of oral clefts (3 additional cases per 10 000 women treated; adjusted relative risk, 1.24, (95% CI 1.03-1.48)).
The available epidemiological studies on cardiac malformations show conflicting results.
Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity.However Ondansetron should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Lactation:
Tests have shown that ondansetron passes into the milk of lactating animals. It is therefore recommended that mothers receiving ondansetron should not breast-feed their babies.
STORAGE CONDITION
Store protected from light at a temperature not exceeding 30ºC
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
PRESENTATION
2ml ampoules packed in outer cardboard carton along with pack insert.
Pack of 5 ampoules.
Ondansetron Injection BP 2mg