Ondem MD 4 contains ondansetron which is an anti-emetic used widely to treat nausea and vomiting associated with various disorders, disease conditions, and surgical procedures. It is listed as one of the most effective and safe medicines in the World Health Organisation’s list of Essential Medicines.
Composition and Nature Of Ondem MD 4:
Each tablet of Ondem MD 4 contains 4mg of Ondansetron which is the active ingredient. The tablet is available in different physical forms such as a disintegrating tablet, solution, film, and tablet. Ondem MD 4 tablet exerts its peak pharmacologic action within 2 hours of ingestion and the anti-emetic effects may last between 12 to 24 hours depending on the condition of the individual patient and his/her underlying disorder.
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Uses and Benefits of Ondem MD 4:
Ondem MD 4 is used extensively to treat nausea and vomiting in the following scenarios:
- Cancer therapy – Ondem MD 4 is routinely prescribed as part of any anti-cancer protocols to reduce or alleviate nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The drug is generally taken at least half an hour (or as directed by a registered medical practitioner) before the treatment to ensure prompt onset of action during treatment.
- Post-operative – Some individuals are prone to nausea and vomiting in the post-operative period following minor or major surgical procedures. This may be in part due to the anesthetic agents used. Frequently, Ondem MD 4 is prescribed as premedication or postoperative medication to relieve nausea and vomiting in post-operative patients.
- Pregnancy – Unlike other centrally acting therapeutic drugs which have restricted use in Pregnant and lactating women, Ondem MD 4 has been shown to be quite safe. It can be prescribed to treat morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum.
- Cyclic vomiting syndrome – Ondem MD 4 is used along with other anti-emetic agents in treating vomiting in cyclic vomiting syndrome.
- Others – The use of Ondem MD 4 is being evaluated in cases of gastroenteritis due to infectious or inflammatory causes. Reassuring reports suggest possible future use of Ondem MD 4 in cases of intractable nausea and vomiting in gastroenteritis patients.
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Side Effects of Ondem MD 4:
Ondem MD 4 is well tolerated and side effects if any, are rare, minor, and manageable. These include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Painful micturition
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety
- Fever
- Irregular heartbeat and heart rhythm (due to QT prolongation and Torsades de pointes)
- Chest pain and sudden increased sweating
- The stiffness of muscles with muscle cramps
- Headache and sudden dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Sudden swelling of vocal cords with difficulty in breathing and skin rashes
- Ondem MD 4 is best avoided in patients taking antipsychotic drugs or anti-arrhythmic agents due to increased risk of QT prolongation and subsequent Torsades de pointes.
- Anti-tuberculous drugs and anti-retroviral drugs should not be administered along with Ondem MD 4 due to increased risk of hepatocellular toxicity and abnormal liver functions.
- Alcohol intake is preferably restricted during an ongoing course of Ondem MD 4 mg tablet
- Concomitant use of Ondem MD 4 with Apomorphine is not recommended
- Use of Amiodarone along with Ondem MD 4 may result in an abnormal cardiac function, dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc. Dosage adjustment or restricted use is preferred on the advice of the consulting physician.
- Amitriptyline and Ondem MD 4 are also avoided concomitantly due to exaggerated side effects such as a rapid change in blood pressure, fever, sweating, etc
- If Carbamazepine or phenytoin are given along with Ondem MD 4, they may impair the anti-emetic properties of Ondem MD 4 and the patient’s symptoms may not subside. Dose adjustment or drug replacement is recommended.
- Ondem MD 4 may interfere with the absorption and effect of cyclophosphamide and in such cases, replacement of drug with another anti-emetic is generally preferred.
Immediate medical intervention should be sought if the following adverse side effects are being encountered:
All the side-effects listed may not be inclusive and any untoward change in normal function or behavior should be immediately reported to the medical practitioner.
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Common Dosage of Ondem MD 4:
Ondem MD 4 should always be taken at the recommended dose only after a prescription by a qualified physician. The dose prescribed varies from patient to patient depending on the severity of the symptoms, underlying disease condition, and the general health of the individual. For children, the criteria further include the age and weight of the child too. The dose prescribed is in the best interests of the patient and should neither be increased nor stopped abruptly without consultation by a qualified physician.
Generally, in cases of chemotherapy, Ondem MD 4 is given half an hour before the start of therapy. In cases of radiotherapy, the drug is given at least 1-2 hours before the commencement of therapy. To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting, Ondem MD 4 is given at least an hour before the start of surgery. For other indications, the dosage recommended by the consulting physician should be followed.
It can be taken either alone or in combination with other anti-emetic medications. No dose adjustment is required in patients with kidney disorders or impaired kidney function tests.
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How Ondem MD 4 works?
Mechanism of Action of Ondem MD 4
Ondansetron, the active ingredient in Ondem MD 4 is a highly selective and specific 5-HT3 serotonin receptor antagonist. It has a low affinity towards dopamine receptors. The 5-HT3 receptors are present in the central nervous system in the area postrema, a chemoreceptor trigger zone that acts as the vomiting center. They are also present at the vagal nerve terminals in the peripheral nervous system. The vomiting reflex is induced by serotonin from the intestinal cells in response to emetic factors such as chemotherapeutic agents. Ondem MD 4 acts predominantly by blocking receptors at the vagal nerve ends and to a smaller extent by blocking receptors in the central nervous system too.
Precautions and Warnings – When to Avoid Ondem MD 4?
Ondem MD 4 is not advised for use in children less than 5 years of age or elderly patients more than 75 years of age. Patients with impaired liver function tests should have dose adjustments after consultation with a registered medical practitioner.
Some common interactions of Ondem MD 4 with other medicines or substances:
Substitutes of Ondem MD 4:
- Periset 4mg MD
- Ondamac 4mg MD
- Onditron 4mg MD
- Onvin 4mg MD
- Vomihalt 4 mg MD
- Emigo 4mg MD
- Vorast 4mg MD
- Onsetrin 4mg MD.
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