Ondansetron and metoclopramide: a comparative analysis of effectiveness and cost in hospitalized patients with hyperemesis gravidarum

Background: Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is nausea and vomiting which interfere pregnant women’s daily activities. Ondansetron (ODN) is often used off label for the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and cost of ondansetron versus metoclopramide (MCP), a drug that has been used in the standard regimen for the treatment of HG. patients in the largest hospital in Jakarta during year 2012 to 2016. Method: The research was conducted with a cross-sectional study design on respondents with criteria, namely pregnant patients hospitalized with HG at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital from 2012-2016. Assessment of clinical effectiveness was carried out by looking at the day’s duration until the symptoms of nausea and vomiting stopped. Furthermore, a cost analysis was carried out by calculating the average direct medical costs associated with the HG’s condition. Result: The effectiveness of both antiemetics was not statistically significant (p = 0.370). The average cost per patient with ondansetron compared to metoclopramide was not significantly different (p = 0,966). Conclusion: There was no difference in the effectiveness and cost of ODN versus MCP for the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum.