Emistat is a highly effective antiemetic medication containing Ondansetron. It belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin subtype 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists. It is primarily used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Manufactured by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Emistat is a gold-standard choice in Bangladesh for managing emesis in both clinical and home settings.
What is Emistat Used For?
Emistat 8 mg is specifically indicated for the management of:
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Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea & Vomiting (CINV): Preventing nausea during initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer treatment.
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Radiotherapy-Induced Nausea & Vomiting (RINV): Reducing the sickness often associated with total body or localized radiation.
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Post-Operative Nausea & Vomiting (PONV): Prevention and treatment of vomiting after surgical procedures.
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Acute Stomach Upset: Sometimes prescribed off-label for severe gastroenteritis to prevent dehydration.
Crucial Note: Emistat works by blocking serotonin, a natural substance in the body that triggers the vomiting reflex. It does not stimulate gastric motility and should not be used for nausea caused by motion sickness.
For a comprehensive clinical overview of the molecular mechanism of Ondansetron, you can visit the pharmacology of Ondansetron on DrugBank.
Dosage
The dosage of Emistat must be tailored to the specific cause of nausea:
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Chemotherapy: Generally, 8 mg to 24 mg (depending on the emetogenic level) taken 30 minutes before treatment.
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Radiotherapy: 8 mg taken 1 to 2 hours before the procedure, followed by 8 mg every 8 hours.
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Surgery: A single 16 mg dose (two 8 mg tablets) taken 1 hour before anesthesia.
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Flash Tablets: Place on the tongue and allow to dissolve; no water is required.
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Pediatrics: Dosage is typically based on body weight (e.g., 0.15 mg/kg). Consult a pediatrician for exact measurements.
Common Side Effects
Emistat is generally well-tolerated, but common reactions may include:
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Most Common: Headache (reported in up to 10–12% of patients) and constipation.
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General: Fatigue, dizziness, or a sensation of flushing/warmth.
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Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea or mild abdominal discomfort.
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Safety Tip: If you experience a sudden fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), seek medical advice immediately as this may indicate a rare heart rhythm change.
Important Warnings & Precautions
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QT Prolongation: Use with caution in patients with congenital long QT syndrome or electrolyte imbalances.
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Liver Function: Patients with severe hepatic impairment should not exceed a total daily dose of 8 mg.
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Bowel Obstruction: Caution is advised in patients following abdominal surgery, as Emistat may mask signs of progressive ileus.
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Serotonin Syndrome: Rare but serious reactions can occur if taken with certain antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs).
Emistat 8 vs. Omidon 10 : Key Differences
While both Emistat 8 and Omidon 10 are used to treat nausea and vomiting, they belong to different drug classes and work through entirely different mechanisms in the body.
| Feature | Emistat 8 | Omidon 10 |
| Generic Name | Ondansetron (8mg) | Domperidone (10mg) |
| Drug Class | 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonist | Dopamine (D2) Antagonist / Prokinetic |
| Primary Action | Blocks “vomiting signals” to the brain | Speeds up stomach emptying (prokinetic) |
| Potency | High (Stronger for active vomiting) | Moderate (Better for chronic nausea) |
| Common Uses | Severe vomiting, Post-surgery, Chemo | Bloating, Indigestion, GERD, Nausea |
| Typical Dose | Usually every 8–12 hours | Usually 15–30 mins before meals |
Emistat Price in Bangladesh (January 2026 Update)
Pricing for the Healthcare Pharmaceuticals’ Emistat range for H1 2026.
| Product Name | Strength | Unit Price (BDT) | Strip/Pack Price |
| Emistat Tablet | 8 mg | ৳12.00 | ৳120.00 (10 Tabs) |
| Emistat FT (Flash) | 8 mg | ৳12.00 | ৳120.00 (10 Tabs) |
| Emistat FT (Flash) | 4 mg | ৳6.00 | ৳60.00 (10 Tabs) |
| Emistat Syrup | 4mg/5ml | ৳50.00 | 50 ml Bottle |
| Emistat Injection | 8mg/4ml | ৳32.00 | 4 ml Ampoule |
Top 10 Alternative Brands & Prices
If Emistat 8 is unavailable, these 8 mg Ondansetron alternatives are widely available in Bangladesh.
| Brand Name | Company Name | Price per Unit (BDT) |
| Ofran 8 | Square Pharmaceuticals | ৳11.00 |
| Onaseron 8 | Incepta Pharmaceuticals | ৳11.00 |
| Anset 8 | Opsonin Pharma | ৳11.00 |
| Seton 8 | Beximco Pharmaceuticals | ৳11.00 |
| Emeren 8 | Renata PLC | ৳11.00 |
| Apulset 8 | Aristopharma Ltd. | ৳10.00 |
| Zofer 8 | Eskayef (SK+F) | ৳11.00 |
| Novatron 8 | Radiant Pharmaceuticals | ৳12.00 |
| Onasia 8 | Orion Pharma Ltd. | ৳10.00 |
| Emiston 8 | Ibn Sina Pharmaceuticals | ৳11.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Emistat
1. What is the current Emistat 8 mg price in Bangladesh?
As of January 2026, the retail price for Emistat 8 mg is ৳12.00 per tablet. A standard strip of 10 tablets costs ৳120.00.
2. What is Emistat used for?
It is primarily used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. It is also used for acute vomiting in stomach infections.
3. What are the common Emistat side effects?
The most frequently reported side effects include headaches, constipation, fatigue, and a feeling of warmth. Headaches can often be managed with mild painkillers like Paracetamol.
4. Is Emistat safe during pregnancy?
Emistat is generally considered safe (Pregnancy Category B), especially for severe “morning sickness” when other treatments fail. However, it should only be used if prescribed by a doctor, particularly during the first trimester.
5. How quickly does Emistat start working?
Emistat is fast-acting. Tablets usually start working within 30 to 60 minutes, while the Flash (FT) tablets and injections work even faster.
6. Can I take Emistat with food?
Yes, Emistat can be taken with or without food. If you are feeling very nauseous, taking it with a small amount of water or using the Flash tablet (which doesn’t require water) is often easier.
7. Does Emistat cause drowsiness?
No. Unlike older anti-sickness medicines, Emistat does not typically cause drowsiness, making it a preferred choice for patients who need to remain active.
8. What should I do if I vomit immediately after taking Emistat?
If you vomit within one hour of taking the tablet, you should take another dose. If you vomit after one hour, the medicine has likely already been absorbed.
9. Can children take Emistat?
Yes, it is safe for children as young as 6 months. However, the dose must be strictly calculated by a doctor based on the child’s weight. For more on pediatric safety, see the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Emesis Guide.
Disclaimer: This is educational information only (updated January 2026). Not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician before starting or stopping any medication.
