The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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Physicians often refer to drugs by their brand names, which can result in brand name drugs being dispensed even when bioequivalent generic alternatives are available. As a result, use of brand-name terminology may result in increased drug costs. ⋯ Brand-name terminology is commonly used and decreases over time with the introduction of generic competition. Interventions that standardize medication-naming practices may hasten this decline and increase use of nonproprietary terminology in medicine.
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To provide further evidence of cardiovascular adverse effects of ondansetron, including new-onset atrial fibrillation, ST segment elevation, and chest pain subsequent to ondansetron administration, and to review cardiovascular adverse events related to several 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT(3)) receptor antagonists. ⋯ This case report supports the concern regarding cardiovascular adverse effects of ondansetron. Clinicians should be aware of cardiovascular adverse reactions that may be associated with intravenous ondansetron and monitor for electrocardiographic changes as indicated. Further investigation is needed to delineate the actual incidence of cardiovascular effects associated with ondansetron and whether the intravenous rate of administration is a contributing factor.