Ondansetron is also a very effective anti- emetic that acts as a seratonin antagonist. The most well known brand name is Zofran. Zofran
is most known for its use in controlling nausea associated with chemotherapy. This drug is marketed as 4mg or 8mg tablets. A suitable end of life regime is to take one or two tablets (4mg - 8mg) one hour before the lethal drug.
Ondanestron can have serious side effects, occasionally giving way to ‘seratonin syndrome’. This syndrome brings palpitations, flushing and agitation. Such side-effects may limit its use. In the absence of these side-effects and if nausea is a particular problem, the dose can be increased to 5 tablets.
Dimenhydrinate
Dimenhydrinate is an over- the-counter ‘combination’ anti-emetic which can be of use in end of life situations, especially if other anti- emetics are hard to obtain. Common brand names include Dramamine and Gravol. Marketed as 50mg tablets, for use in the context of the end of life,1 - 2 tablets should be taken one hour before ingesting the lethal drug.
