Granisetron shows no pro-arrhythmic effect in normal subjects during or after exercise in a hot environment
Gray, G.W.; McLellan, T.M.; Ducharme, M.B.
Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine 67(8): 759-761
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0095-6562 PMID: 8853832 Document Number: 1004
Background: 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are being evaluated as possible agents to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with radiation exposure in a non-clinical military setting. Because of concern about potential cardiovascular toxicity and the observation that certain developmental 5-HT3 antagonists produced undesirable effects, all drugs in this class are being carefully scrutinized for possible adverse cardiac effects. Method: In this study, nine subjects underwent ambulatory ECG monitoring for an average of 21.6 h after a 2-mg oral dose of granisetron or placebo in a double-blind crossover protocol. Monitoring included a 3-h period of submaximal exercise in a 40 degree C environment. Results: Although isolated ventricular and supraventricular ectopic activity, sinus bradycardia, and pauses were found, there were no sustained arrhythmias observed in either the placebo or granisetron conditions. Conclusion: Although the generalizability of this study is limited by the small number of subjects, these observations add to the body of evidence confirming the lack of cardiovascular toxicity of granisetron.
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