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| Pronunciation |
|
 (on
DAN se
tron) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Zofran®; Zofran®
ODT |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Selective 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonist |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to ondansetron or any other part of the
medicine.
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|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting. The
nausea and vomiting can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or
surgery. It may be used alone or with other
medicine.
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| How does it work? |
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|
- Ondansetron blocks chemicals in the body that cause the problem. It
does this in the stomach and in the
brain.
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| How is it best taken? |
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|
- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given. Shake well first.
- Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), peel back foil from one blister
pack (do not try to push tablet through foil to remove). Gently remove tablet
and place immediately on top of tongue. It will dissolve in seconds and should
be swallowed in saliva.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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|
- You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities
until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Feeling sleepy, tired, or dizzy. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or
activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects
you.
- Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing
diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or
laxative.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
- Severe headache.
- Too tired or sleepy.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
- Store suspension in a refrigerator. Throw away after 6
weeks.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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