Ondansetron (Injection) - Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

Ondansetron (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous)

Ondansetron (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous)

Brand Names:Zofran, Zofran, Zofran ODT

Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may happen with certain cancer medicines (chemotherapy) in adults and children at least 6 months old.

Ondansetron is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may happen after surgery in adults and children at least 1 month old.

Ondansetron may be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

uses

What is Ondansetron (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous) 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 (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous)?

You should not use ondansetron if you are allergic to ondansetron or similar medicines (dolasetron, granisetron, palonosetron).

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:

  • a heart rhythm disorder such as long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
  • an electrolyte imbalance (such as low blood levels of potassium or magnesium);
  • congestive heart failure, slow heartbeats;
  • obstruction in the stomach or intestines, a change in bowel habits;
  • surgery on your stomach or intestines; or
  • severe liver disease.

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.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

User Reviews & Rating

Overall rating for Ondansetron (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous)

Side Effects
3.4
Easy to Use
4.7
Effectiveness
4.2
Read Ondansetron (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous) Reviews

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Ondansetron (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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 light-headed, fainting, slow, fast, or uneven heartbeats.

Common side effects may include:

  • diarrhea;
  • fever; or
  • headache.

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 (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

B
No evidence of risk in humans
Based on FDA pregnancy categories

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Ondansetron (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Ondansetron (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous)?

Use Ondansetron (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous) 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.

Ondansetron is injected into a muscle, or into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Ondansetron is usually given before surgery, and in certain cases another dose may be given after surgery.

To prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, ondansetron is given 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy. Additional doses may be given 4 and 8 hours after the first dose.

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Ondansetron (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous)?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Ondansetron (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center
(800) 222-1222
If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Ondansetron (Injection)(Injectable,Intravenous), call 911
911

Images

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M, 344

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Medical Disclaimer

Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Overview, Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Pregnancy, Interactions, Dosage, Overdose, and Images sections. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health.