Comparison Of Efficacy And Acceptability Of Ondansetron Oral Solution Versus Oral Dissolving Films In The Management Of Vomiting In Children
Author(s): Saranya Ravichandran*, Saranya Lakshmanapillai Ramupillai, Rangasamy Krishnamoorthy and Priyanka S
Abstract
Introduction: Oral administration of antiemetic is a very convenient route preferred by children and parents. The most common oral form used in pediatrics is liquid formulation. Orally disintegrating soluble films appear promising for use in pediatric population. Hence this study was conducted to compare the efficacy and acceptability of ondansetron oral solution and oral dissolving films in management of vomiting in children. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted among children attending OP & Emergency department with vomiting due to Acute Gastroenteritis in the age group 1-6 years. For the purpose of the study children were divided in to two groups, one group will receive the oral ondansetron syrup and other group will receive the oral dissolving films of ondansetron. Children were observed in OP for 1 hour and monitored for vomiting. Child’s acceptability was observed and parents’ comfortability was recorded. Institute ethical committee clearance was obtained before the start of the study. Written informed consent was obtained from all the participants before including them in the study. Results: Out of the 200 children immediate vomiting following the administration of drug was observed in 19 % of the study participants. 81 % of the participants accepted the drug and 81% of parents felt it was easy to administer the drug. The readily acceptance of the drug was higher among the film group (92 %) compared to the syrup group (70 %). Similarly, the readily acceptance of the future doses was higher among the film group (94 %) compared to the syrup group (78 %). 94 % of the parents in the film group felt it was easy to administer film while only 68 % of the parents felt it was easy to administer in the syrup group. All the associations were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: In conclusion, ondansetron film was found to be a successful antiemetic in children with acute gastro enteritis. This study also shows that the ondansetron oral film has good acceptability among both children and parents compared to the ondansetron oral syrup.