Pronunciation: on-DAN-se-tron
Generic Name: Ondansetron
Brand Name: Zofran
Ondansetron is used for:
Preventing nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, radiation treatment, or surgery. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Ondansetron is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor blocker. It works by blocking a chemical thought to be a cause of nausea and vomiting in certain situations (eg, chemotherapy).
Do NOT use Ondansetron if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Ondansetron
- you are taking apomorphine
- you have a certain type of irregular heartbeat (congenital long QT syndrome)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Ondansetron:
Some medical conditions may interact with Ondansetron. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have had an allergic reaction to another serotonin 5-HT3 receptor blocker (eg, dolasetron, granisetron)
- if you have liver problems, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure, slow or irregular heartbeat, QT prolongation), or electrolyte problems (eg, low potassium or magnesium levels)
- if you take medicines that may affect your heartbeat. Check with your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines may affect your heartbeat
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ondansetron. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Apomorphine because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Ondansetron
- Antineoplastic agents (eg, cyclophosphamide) or tramadol because their effectiveness may be decreased by Ondansetron.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ondansetron may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Ondansetron:
Use Ondansetron as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Ondansetron by mouth with or without food.
- To prevent or reduce the possibility of nausea or vomiting, continue taking Ondansetron for the entire time recommended by your doctor even if you do not notice any nausea.
- If you miss a dose of Ondansetron, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ondansetron.
Important safety information:
- Ondansetron may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Ondansetron with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Ondansetron should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 4 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ondansetron while you are pregnant. It is not known if Ondansetron is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Ondansetron, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Ondansetron:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; tiredness; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue; wheezing; unusual hoarseness); chest or jaw pain, numbness of an arm or leg, or sudden severe headache or vomiting; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness; skin tingling or numbness; stomach pain; trouble urinating; uncontrolled muscle movements; vision changes or loss.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Ondansetron side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; severe dizziness; slowed/irregular heartbeat; sudden, temporary blindness.
Proper storage of Ondansetron:
Store Ondansetron between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Protect from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ondansetron out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Ondansetron, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Ondansetron is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Ondansetron. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Ondansetron resources
- Ondansetron Side Effects (in more detail)
- Ondansetron Dosage
- Ondansetron Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Ondansetron Drug Interactions
- Ondansetron Support Group
- 81 Reviews for Ondansetron - Add your own review/rating
Compare Ondansetron with other medications
- Alcohol Dependence
- Gastroenteritis
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Nausea/Vomiting, Chemotherapy Induced
- Nausea/Vomiting, Postoperative
- Nausea/Vomiting, Radiation Induced
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Postanesthetic Shivering
- Pruritus
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