[Preventive effects of ramosetron and granisetron in prevention of gastrointestinal reaction associated with chemotherapeutic agents: a comparative study].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of ramosetron and granisetron in prevention of gastrointestinal reaction induced by cisplatin or adramycin. METHODS: Fifty chemotherapy-naive patients with histological confirmed malignancies were randomized divided into 2 groups: AB group (ramosetron 0.3 mg was given in first cycle and granisetron 3mg in the second cycle) and BA group (these drugs were given in the reverse sequence). The appetite, side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, etc. were observed. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients, 27 receiving cisplatin and 20 receiving adramycin, were evaluable. 0-24 hours after the treatment, the inhibition rate of anorexia was 72.3% in the ramosetron group, significantly lower than that in the granisetron group (51.1%, P < 0.05). The inhibition rate of nausea was 66.0% in the ramosetron group, significantly lower than that in the granisetron group (44.6%, P < 0.05), and the inhibition rate of vomiting was 76.6% in the ramosetron group, not significantly different from that in the granisetron group (70.2%). The incidence rate of adverse events was similar in these two groups. The most common adverse event was headache. CONCLUSION: Ramosetron is a safe and effective antiemetic and is more cost-effective than granisetron.