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PURPOSE: There have been 3 published reports (4 cases) of symptomatic sinus bradycardia occurring after intravenous (IV) administration of the selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist ondansetron. We report a fifth case in which the patient developed asystole after rechallenge with ondansetron. SUMMARY: A 36-year-old pregnant patient with no cardiac history, status post cerclage for cervical insufficiency, experienced nausea in the post ambulatory care unit after administration of morphine and indomethacin for pain. After IV administration of ondansetron, the patient's heart rate decreased to the 40s and improved spontaneously. The patient experienced a second episode of nausea, another dose of ondansetron was administered, and the patient went into asystole. Advanced cardiac life support measures were initiated and chest compressions were conducted for 3 minutes with return of spontaneous circulation. The patient was monitored overnight with no development of new cardiac arrhythmias and was discharged from the hospital in stable condition. CONCLUSIONS: Sinus bradycardia after IV administration of ondansetron was observed in a 36-year-old pregnant patient status post cerclage. On rechallenge, the patient went into asystole. This case report adds to the available literature regarding ondansetron-induced cardiac arrhythmias and the possibility of asystole upon rechallenge.
RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Thrombosis risk necessitates dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and an adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor antagonist, in patients who have acute coronary syndrome. Current guidelines emphasize the critical role of dual antiplatelet therapy in both medical management and invasive strategy, especially in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. With the availability of multiple ADP-receptor antagonists, it is crucial to select the most appropriate agent for each patient. AREAS COVERED: The pertinent trials were identified through a MEDLINE search, in addition to a manual search from the articles retrieved. This review examines the differences between clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor in terms of their pharmacological/pharmacokinetic properties, clinical efficacy, drug interactions and safety parameters. EXPERT OPINION: Prasugrel and ticagrelor exhibit greater platelet inhibition and superior efficacy compared with clopidogrel, at the expense of higher bleeding risk. Prasugrel and ticagrelor should be preferred over clopidogrel in patients who are at a high risk of thrombotic events with low risk of bleeding. Additionally, these two agents may offer advantage over clopidogrel in those patients who might have risk for drug resistance due to CYP2C19 polymorphism. In selecting the ideal agent for patients, clinicians should tailor the antiplatelet regimen by considering individual risk factors and medication characteristics.
