Ramosetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist for the control of nausea and vomiting.

Ramosetron is a selective serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist with an affinity higher than that of the previously available drugs ondansetron, granisetron and tropisetron. Ramosetron was shown in pharmacological assays to inhibit activities mediated by 5-HT3 receptors, such as emesis caused by cisplatin. In clinical trials, ramostreon was at least as effective as the reference "setrons" against nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy or surgical interventions, but the efficacy was well maintained during a 48-h period, so that efficacy was significantly higher with ramosetron in terms of nausea and vomiting 6-48 h after treatment. Hence, ramosetron represents a good alternative over previously available drugs for the prophylaxis and treatment of chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Data in children also support the efficacy of ramosetron, which is well tolerated by both child and adult patients.