[Therapy of pruritus associated with skin diseases with the serotonin receptor antagonist ondansetron].

BACKGROUND

Pruritus is often a stressing symptom and a therapeutic challenge. We report our experience with the serotonin receptor antagonist ondansetron in the symptomatic treatment of pruritus accompanying various skin diseases.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The influence of ondansetron (8-12 mg orally per day) on pruritus was assessed in twelve patients with various skin disorders. The intensity of pruritus was quantitated daily by a visual analogue scale over the time period of one week before, during, and one week after treatment.

RESULTS

Ondansetron decreased pruritus intensity in prurigo simplex (four patients), asteatotic eczema (two patients), parapsoriasis en plaques, and pruritus of unknown origin (one patient each). One of two patients with atopic dermatitis experienced relief, whereas no benefit was observed in urticaria factitia and notalgia paraesthetica (one patient each).

CONCLUSIONS

Ondansetron may ameliorate the concomitant pruritus of some dermatologic diseases.