What is Ondansetron?
Ondansetron is available in tablet and solution forms and as the brand-name Zofran ODT or a generic drug.
It blocks chemicals triggering nausea and vomiting, often used in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Uses of Ondansetron?
Ondansetron tablets are used for preventing nausea and vomiting caused due to some medical treatment. The treatment includes:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation treatment
- Surgery
It belongs to the class of medication called serotonin 5- HT3 antagonists.
This works by blocking the action of serotonin, which is a natural substance that can cause nausea and vomiting.
What are the Side Effects of Ondansetron?
Some of the common side effects of Ondansetron are:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Chills
- Drowsiness
Some of the serious side effects of Ondansetron are:
- Blurred vision
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of eyes
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Agitation
- Fever
- Nausea
- Seizures
If you have any of these serious symptoms, immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, if you get any kind of reaction in your body due to Ondansetron, try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take medicines, as your problems were more severe, and the benefits of this medicine were greater than the side effects.
The majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Ondansetron side effects.
What are the precautions for Ondansetron?
The product may contain some inactive ingredients that can cause some serious allergic reactions or other serious problems.
Before using the Ondansetron talk with your doctor if you have any medical history, such as:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Liver disease
- Intestinal problems
It can cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm, i.e., QT prolongation. QT prolongation rarely causes serious and irregular heartbeats.
The risk of QT prolongation can be increased if you have a serious medical condition or if you are taking certain medications that can cause QT prolongations.
How do I take Ondansetron?
- The first dosage of Ondansetron is usually taken 30 minutes before starting chemotherapy, 1 to 2 hours before beginning radiation therapy and 1 hour before the surgery.
- Some of the additional doses should be taken one or three times a day during the chemo and radiation therapy. It should be continued for 1 to 2 days after the end of the treatment.
- Follow the prescription label carefully, and also try to follow the doctor’s advice before taking any medicine.
How to take a dose of Ondansetron ?
Drug forms and strengths
Generic: Ondansetron
- Form: orally disintegrating tablet
- Strengths: 4 mg, 8 mg
Brand: Zofran ODT
- Form: orally disintegrating tablet
- Strengths: 4 mg, 8 mg
Prevention of nausea or vomiting caused by chemotherapy
- Ondansetron 24 mg should be taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy in a serious case
- Ondansetron 8 mg should be taken before 30 minutes if you have a light feeling of vomiting
Prevention of nausea or vomiting caused by Radiation treatment
- Ondansetron 8 mg 1 to 2 hours before radiation. It should be followed y 8 mg dosage in every 8 hours.
Prevention of nausea or vomiting caused by surgery
- Ondansetron 16 mg should be taken 1 hour before a person receives anaesthesia for surgery.
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Book an AppointmentWhat should one do if they miss a dose of Ondansetron?
Missing one or two-dose of Ondansetron won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
What should one do in case of an overdose?
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Ondansetron tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some serious health conditions
For people with risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias
If you have conditions such as heart failure or congenital long QT syndrome, this drug may increase your risk of arrhythmias.
For people with phenylketonuria
Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet contains phenylalanine. Do not take the orally disintegrating tablet if you have phenylketonuria
Pregnant Women
There is no study on humans whether Ondansetron will interact or not. Before taking Ondansetron talk to your doctor.
Breastfeeding
Ondansetron can pass into the breastmilk. So before taking Ondansetron consult with your doctor.
How to store Ondansetron Medicine?
- Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines.
- Expotore of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
- Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
- Before taking Ondansetron, consult your Doctor. If you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Ondansetron, rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment.
- Carry your medications in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your doctor's advice whenever you take Ondansetron.
Ondansetron vs Metoclopramide
| Ondansetron | Metoclopramide |
|---|---|
| Ondansetron is a prescription drug which comes in the form of tablet and solution. The medication is also available in an intravenous form which is given by the healthcare provider. | Metoclopramide is a prescription drug used for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which causes symptoms. |
Ondansetron tablets are used for preventing nausea and vomiting caused due to some medical treatment. The treatment includes:
|
Metoclopramide is used for treating conditions of stomach and intestines. The medication is also used as a short-term treatment for the ongoing heartburn. |
Some of the common side effects of Ondansetron are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Metoclopramide are
|
