Serotonin Antagonists

Overview

• Serotonin affects emotions, motor skills, and can stimulate nausea.
• Serotonin antagonists are medications that block serotonin receptors.

Mechanism of Action

• Target: Blocks the 5-HT3 receptors.
  • Located in the GI tract and chemoreceptor zone.
  • 5-HT3 is a subtype of serotonin receptor.

Therapeutic Effects and Indications

• Primary Use: Prophylaxis for patients receiving chemotherapy.
  • Effective in reducing chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.
• Other Uses: General treatment of nausea and vomiting in various settings.

Side Effects

• Common side effects include:
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea

Nursing Actions

• Assessment: Monitor therapeutic and side effects.
• Patient Education:
  • Instruction on medication intake, especially the route.
  • Specific to ondansetron, an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT).
  • Guide patients to let the ODT dissolve under the tongue (do not swallow).

Drug Example

• Ondansetron (Zofran):
  • Prototype drug for this class.
  • Route: Orally disintegrating tablet.
  • Primary Use: Prevention of nausea and vomiting, especially for chemotherapy patients.

Key Points

• Ondansetron (Zofran) is crucial for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
• Serotonin antagonists are the best class of drugs for managing these symptoms in chemotherapy patients.