Tropisetron: Optimal dosage for children in prevention of chemotherapy‐induced vomiting

The antiemetic efficacy and tolerability of Tropisetron (Navoban®, Novartis Pharma Switzerland AG, Bern), a selective 5‐hydroxytriptamine receptor antagonist, has been assessed in the prevention of acute vomiting in children receiving chemotherapy for solid tumors. Tropisetron iv was given 30 min before administration of chemotherapy at a dose of 5 mg in children <20 kg body weight and at a dose of 10 mg in those >20 kg. A total of 50 children were studied in 189 courses of chemotherapy. Control of emesis was defined as total in absence of acute vomiting, as major if 1 or 2 events of acute vomiting occurred, and as not controlled if >2 events of acute vomiting occurred. Response was studied, taking into account Tropisetron dosage, degree of emetogenicity of the chemotherapeutic agents in pretreated and non‐pretreated patients, and according to age groups. Tropisetron, administered in a single daily dose of 8–12 mg/m2, was found to be very effective in completely controlling acute emesis in 92% of the courses of moderately and highly emetogenic chemotherapy administered to pediatric patients with solid tumors. Moreover, Tropisetron, at this dosage, did not lead to any adverse effects. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2005; 45:48–53. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.