[Chronological observation of nausea and vomiting in outpatients given oral antimetabolites as chemotherapy--two patients receiving ondansetron hydrochloride tablets].

The incidence of nausea and vomiting or anorexia was investigated in 16 outpatients receiving oral antimetabolites such as 5-FU (fluorouracil) as chemotherapy, during a maximum observation period of 28 days. In those patients who experienced the above symptoms which meet the standard defined in the study protocol, ondansetron hydrochloride tablets in a 4 mg/day dose were given based on the decision of the physician in charge, and its efficacy in those patients was examined. Nausea and emesis or anorexia was observed in six cases (37.5%) during the period of observation. Anorexia appeared in a majority of the above cases, with an incidence rate was 31.3% (5/16 cases). In two of the cases, anorexia improved after ondansetron tablets were administered. No adverse drug reaction was reported with ondansetron tablets. We conclude that although antimetabolites have low emetogenicity, as anorexia appeared in approximately 30% of the patients, the use of ondansetron tablets or other antiemetics should be considered in order to maintain patients' QOL and drug compliance.