Ondansetron is a medicine used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery or cancer treatments.
It’s in a class of medicines called serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Ondansetron works by blocking serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medicine in 1991.
uses
What is Ondansetron (Zofran) used for?
- Nausea/Vomiting -- Chemotherapy Induced
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Nausea/Vomiting -- Postoperative
- Nausea/Vomiting -- Radiation Induced
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Ondansetron (Zofran)?
You should not use ondansetron if you are allergic to it or similar medicines (dolasetron, granisetron, palonosetron).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ondansetron is not approved for use by anyone younger than 4 years old.
Some drugs should not be used with ondansetron. Your treatment plan may change if you also use apomorphine.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
The may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). orally disintegrating tablet
Tell your doctor if you also use stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. An interaction with ondansetron could cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as low blood levels of potassium or magnesium);
- congestive heart failure, slow heartbeats;
- heart rhythm disorder such as long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
- an obstruction in the stomach or intestines, a change in bowel habits;
- a surgery on your stomach or intestines; or
- severe liver disease.
User Reviews & Rating
Overall rating for Ondansetron (Zofran)
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Ondansetron (Zofran)?
Get emergency medical help if you have : hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. signs of an allergic reaction
Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Seek emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack: chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, and sweating.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, bloating, constipation, or any change in bowel habits; or
- dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fainting, slow, fast, or uneven heartbeats.
- diarrhea or constipation;
- headache;
- shortness of breath, rapid breathing, fast heartbeats; or
- feeling unwell, tiredness.
Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Ondansetron (Zofran) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Ondansetron (Zofran)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Ondansetron (Zofran)?
Use Ondansetron (Zofran) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Ondansetron is usually taken just before surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Measure with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). liquid medicine
To take the : orally disintegrating tablet
- Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Open the package and peel back the foil. Use dry hands to remove the and place it in your mouth. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet. orally disintegrating tablet
- Allow the to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. Do not swallow whole. orally disintegrating tablet
Store in the original container at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store medicine in an upright position. liquid
Ondansetron is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. use two doses at one time. Do not
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Ondansetron (Zofran)?
What to Expect
Ondansetron usually starts to work within about 30 minutes. Its effects can last 8 to 12 hours.
Additional Dosage Information
Your dosage will depend on your medical condition and other factors.
Secondary Uses
Ondansetron is sometimes used off-label to prevent nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy or the stomach flu.
Some early research has suggested the medicine may also play a role in helping the following conditions:
- Fibromyalgia
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Tourette syndrome
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Schizophrenia
- Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
- Shivering associated with anesthesia
- Hallucinations associated with Parkinson’s disease medicines
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