what is ondansetron

Precautions

What are the important side effects of Zofran (ondansetron)?

• headache,
• malaise,
• fatigue,
• drowsiness,
• constipation,
• dizziness, and
• diarrhea.

What are the side effects of ondansetron?

The way you have been told to take it will depend upon the reason why you are taking it:

• If you are due to have a chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment that could cause you to feel sick, your doctor will prescribe you a dose of ondansetron to take an ...
• If you are being prescribed ondansetron because you are due to have surgery, you will be given a dose to take shortly before the operation.
• Ondansetron can also be given by injection. ...

Why would you take ondansetron?

To use ondansetron oral soluble film (strip) (Zuplenz):

• Keep the strip in the foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine.
• Using dry hands, remove the strip and place it on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away.
• Do not swallow the strip whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
• Swallow several times after the strip dissolves. ...
• Wash your hands after using Zuplenz.

Which class of drug does ondansetron belong to?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with ondansetron. Taking ondansetron while you are using certain other medicines can cause high levels of serotonin to build up in your body, a condition called "serotonin syndrome," which can be fatal. Tell your doctor if you also use:

Does ondansetron make you high?

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How to take Ondansetron?

What are the side effects of Ondansetron?

What are the symptoms of Ondansetron?

Can Ondansetron cause heart problems?

Can Ondansetron harm a baby?

Is Ondansetron safe for you?

Does Ondansetron cause shivering?

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About this website

What is ondansetron mainly used for?

Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Ondansetron is in a class of medications called serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural substance that may cause nausea and vomiting.

What is a side effect of ondansetron?

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or constipation may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

When should you take ondansetron?

Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, one 8-milligram (mg) film taken 30 minutes before starting cancer treatment. The second 8-mg film is taken 8 hours after the first dose. Then, one 8-mg film is taken two times a day (every 12 hours) for 1 to 2 days.

Is ondansetron a narcotic?

Is Zofran (ondansetron) a narcotic? No, Zofran (ondansetron) is not a narcotic, instead it belongs to a class of medication called 5-HT3 (serotonin) receptor antagonist.

Does ondansetron make you sleepy?

Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet may cause drowsiness. It can also cause other side effects.

What can you not take with ondansetron?

View interaction reports for ondansetron and the medicines listed below.Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)Benadryl (diphenhydramine)Cymbalta (duloxetine)Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)Flonase (fluticasone nasal)Lyrica (pregabalin)Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol)Metoprolol Tartrate (metoprolol)More items...

Does ondansetron stop stomach pain?

Descriptions. Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that is caused by cancer medicines (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy. It is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery. Ondansetron works in the stomach to block the signals to the brain that cause nausea and vomiting.

Is ondansetron used for anxiety?

Conclusions: Ondansetron has been shown to be an effective treatment for early-onset alcoholism. Ondansetron's ability to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hostility among EOA may make an additional contribution to its therapeutic effect.

What is the strongest anti-nausea medication?

One of the most effective anti-nausea medications is Zofran (ondansetron) which was developed to solve this problem. Zofran is available as tablets, dissolvable tablets, strips, or liquid. While it is safe for the general population, it is so effective, that it is also used in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Can you buy ondansetron over the counter?

Ondansetron is a prescription medication, which means you can't get it over the counter. It must be prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Why was Zofran taken off the market?

FDA Drug Safety Communications & Zofran Recall In 2012, the 32 mg intravenous dose of Zofran was pulled from the market due to concerns that it could trigger QT interval prolongation, a heart rhythm disorder that could lead to an abnormal and potentially fatal heart rhythm called Torsades de Pointes.

How strong is ondansetron?

ZOFRAN ODT orally disintegrating tablets are white, round, and plano-convex tablets available in the following strengths: 4 mg - debossed with “Z4” on one side. 8 mg - debossed with “Z8” on one side.

How long do ondansetron side effects last?

How long do side effects last? Most common Zofran side effects such as headache, drowsiness, constipation, and diarrhea go away when the drug is discontinued. Zofran has a half-life of three to four hours in healthy adults, but this may be increased to six to eight hours in older adults.

Does ondansetron have long term effects?

The FDA previously noted cardiovascular safety concerns that suggested Zofran (ondansetron) could cause QT prolongation, which can lead to a serious and sometimes fatal heart rhythm called Torsade de Pointes.

Does ondansetron raise blood pressure?

Conclusions: Ondansetron given intravenously attenuates the fall of systolic and mean blood pressure, but does not have an influence on diastolic blood pressure or heart rate.

Is ondansetron used for anxiety?

Conclusions: Ondansetron has been shown to be an effective treatment for early-onset alcoholism. Ondansetron's ability to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hostility among EOA may make an additional contribution to its therapeutic effect.

Ondansetron | Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More

Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by certain medical treatments. This medication is available as a generic drug and as the brand-name drug ...

Ondansetron Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments - Drugs.com

Detailed Ondansetron dosage information for adults and children. Includes dosages for Nausea/Vomiting, Nausea/Vomiting - Chemotherapy Induced, Nausea/Vomiting - Postoperative and more; plus renal, liver and dialysis adjustments.

Zofran Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com

If you are taking ondansetron for nausea that occurs with meals, then the standard tablet should be taken half an hour to 1 hour before meals, and the orally disintegrating tablet or oral soluble film can be taken 15 minutes before meals. However, if you are taking ondansetron for constant, all day nausea then it should be taken at regular intervals during the day as prescribed, with or ...

Ondansetron: Generic, Uses, Side Effects, Dosages ... - RxList

Ondansetron is used alone or with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy), radiation treatment, or drugs used to put you to sleep before surgery. Ondansetron works by blocking one of the body's natural substances that causes vomiting.Ondansetron is available under the following different brand names: Zofran, Zofran ODT, and Zuplenz.

Ondansetron (Oral Route, Oromucosal Route) Proper Use - Mayo Clinic

Proper Use. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

How it works

Ondansetron belongs to a class of drugs called antiemetics. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Antiemetics are drugs that reduce nausea and vomiting.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

Drugs you should not use with ondansetron

Do not take these drugs with ondansetron. Doing so can cause dangerous effects in your body. Examples of these drugs include:

Interactions that increase your risk of side effects from ondansetron

Taking ondansetron with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from ondansetron. This is because the amount of ondansetron in your body may be increased. Examples of these drugs include:

Interactions that can make ondansetron less effective

Taking these drugs with ondansetron can make ondansetron less effective. This is because the amount of ondansetron in your body may be decreased. Examples of these drugs include:

Allergy warning

Ondansetron can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with risk factors for heart arrhythmias: If you have conditions such as heart failure or congenital long QT syndrome, this drug may increase your risk of arrhythmias. Ask your doctor if you have risk factors for arrhythmias.

What is Ondansetron used for?

Expand Section. Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Ondansetron is in a class of medications called serotonin 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural substance that may cause nausea and vomiting.

What meds are allergic to Ondansetron?

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ondansetron, alosetron (Lotronex), dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), palonosetron ( Aloxi, in Akynzeo), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ondansetron products. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

How long before chemo can you take Ondansetron?

The first dose of ondansetron is usually taken 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy, 1 to 2 hours before the start of radiation therapy, or 1 hour before surgery. Additional doses are sometimes taken one ...

Can you get pregnant while taking Ondansetron?

If you become pregnant while taking ondansetron, call your doctor. if you have phenylketonuria (PKU, an inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent mental retardation ), you should know that the orally disintegrating tablets contain aspartame that forms phen ylalanine.

Where is Ondansetron located?

The 5-HT 3 receptors are present both peripherally on vagal nerve terminals and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema in the medulla.

When was Ondansetron first used?

Ondansetron was patented in 1984 and approved for medical use in 1990. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication. In 2018, it was the 64th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 12 million prescriptions.

Why is Ondansetron not easy to detect?

In addition, the authors found the covert duplication of reports on ondansetron was not easy to detect, because of lack of cross-referencing between papers, and reports containing duplicate findings were cited in eight reviews of the drug.

What is the name of the medication that is used to treat nausea and vomiting?

Ondansetron, sold under the brand name Zofran among others, is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. It is also effective for treating gastroenteritis. It is ineffective for treating vomiting caused by motion sickness.

What is the best medicine for nausea?

Ondansetron. Ondansetron, sold under the brand name Zofran among others, is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. It is also effective for treating gastroenteritis. It is ineffective for treating vomiting caused by motion sickness.

When was Zofran developed?

A vial of Zofran 4 mg containing ondansetron for intravenous injection. Ondansetron (marketed under the brand name Zofran) was developed in the mid-1980s by GlaxoSmithKline in London. It was granted US patent protection in September 1987, received a use patent June 1988, and was approved by the US FDA in January 1991.

How many people received Ondansetron?

In 1997, ondansetron was the subject of a meta-analysis case study published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers examined 84 trials, with 11,980 people receiving ondansetron, published between 1991 and September 1996.

What to know before taking Ondansetron?

Before using ondansetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems ( heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG ), family history of certain heart problems ( QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Can Ondansetron cause allergic reactions?

Precautions. Before taking ondansetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anti- nausea serotonin blockers (e.g., granisetron ); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Can Ondansetron make you dizzy?

Talk to your doctor about using ondansetron safely. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana ( cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Can Ondansetron cause heart problems?

Ondansetron may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

What is Zofran used for?

Zofran (ondansetron) is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medications (chemotherapy), radiation therapy, or surgery. It's available in different forms which can be helpful if you're unable to swallow or keep things down.

How does Zofran work?

Zofran (ondansetron) is an antiemetic that works by blocking the actions of serotonin in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.

How long does Zofran last?

The effects of Zofran (ondansetron) can last anywhere between 8 to 12 hours.

What is the ingredient in Zofran?

Risk factors: People who have phenylketonuria (a disorder that makes people unable to break down and get rid of phenylalanine) The dissolvable tablet of Zofran (ondansetron) contains an ingredient called phenylalanine.

Can Zofran cause dizziness?

Let your provider know if you're taking any medications for depression before starting Zofran (ondansetron). Zofran (ondansetron) may cause dizziness.

Does Zofran make you sleepy?

Does Zofran (ondansetron) make you sleepy? Zofran (ondansetron) may cause sleepiness and/or make you feel tired.

Can Zofran be used for nausea?

Can be used in both adults and children. Unlike some other nausea medications, the side effects for Zofran (ondansetron) are relatively mild. Available as a lower-cost generic.

What is Ondansetron used for?

Ondansetron works by blocking one of the body's natural substances ( serotonin) that causes vomiting. Ondansetron is available under the following different brand names: Zofran, Zofran ODT, and Zuplenz. Dosages of Ondansetron. Adult and pediatric dosages.

How does Ondansetron work?

Ondansetron works by blocking one of the body's natural substances ( serotonin) that causes vomiting.

Does Ondansetron cause nausea?

Short-Term Effects. Ondansetron may mask progressive ileus or gastric distention in patients who are undergoing abdominal surgery or experiencing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting; monitor for decreased bowel activity, particularly in patients with risk factors for gastrointestinal obstruction.

What Is Ondansetron?

Ondansetron (brand name Zofran) is a prescription medication that is used to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Clinical Research on Ondansetron

Clinical research is exploring the use of ondansetron for several other conditions, which are described below. However, this research is preliminary and investigational only. The safety and effectiveness of ondansetron for these conditions is unclear until more studies are performed.

Safety of Ondansetron

Ondansetron can cause several side effects. If any side effects persist or worsen, let your doctor know. This is also not a complete list of possible side effects. Tell your doctor if you experience any serious side effects or notice any effects not listed here.

Forms and Dosage

The dosing of ondansetron can vary. Always take this medication as directed by a doctor.

Genetics

ABCB1 – Variants in this gene may increase or decrease how well ondansetron gets into the brain [ 26, 27 ].

Complementary Treatments

The following section details some complementary treatments that may help with nausea or vomiting. You should always consult your doctor before changing or stopping your medications.

How to take Ondansetron?

Take the ondansetron regular tablet with a full glass of water. To take the orally disintegrating tablet (Zofran ODT): Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Open the package and peel back the foil. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

What are the side effects of Ondansetron?

Common ondansetron side effects may include: diarrhea or constipation; headache; drowsiness; or. tired feeling. 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.

What are the symptoms of Ondansetron?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to ondansetron: rash, hives; fever, chills, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe constipation, stomach pain, or bloating;

Can Ondansetron cause heart problems?

Ondansetron can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS.

Can Ondansetron harm a baby?

Ondansetron is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether ondansetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Ondansetron is not approved for use by anyone younger than 4 years old.

Is Ondansetron safe for you?

you are allergic to ondansetron or similar medicines (dolasetron, granisetron, palonosetron). To make sure ondansetron is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood); a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines).

Does Ondansetron cause shivering?

Serious side effects of ondansetron include blurred vision or temporary vision loss (lasting from only a few minutes to several hours), slow heart rate, trouble breathing, anxiety, agitation, shivering, feeling like you might pass out, and urinating less than usual or not at all.

Medical uses

Administration

Risks

Diet

Prevention

• Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Ondansetron is in a class of medications called serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural substance that may cause nausea and vomiting.

See more on medlineplus.gov

Preparation

Overview

Medical uses

Special populations

Adverse effects

Pharmacodynamics

History

Society and culture

Research