ondansetron – oral, Zofran
Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage
USES: This medication is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy) and radiation therapy. It is also used to treat nausea and vomiting after surgery. It works by blocking serotonin, a substance in the body that causes vomiting. HOW TO USE: To prevent nausea from chemotherapy, take this medication by mouth usually within 30 minutes before treatment begins. To prevent nausea from radiation treatment, take this medication by mouth 1 to 2 hours before treatment. To prevent nausea after surgery, take ondansetron by mouth 1 hour before surgery. This medication may be taken with or without food. However, your doctor may tell you not to eat before treatment.
If you use the liquid form of this medication, use a special measuring spoon or device to measure your dose. Do not use a household spoon.
Take any other doses as directed by your doctor. Ondansetron may be taken up to 3 times a day for 1 to 2 days after your chemotherapy or radiation treatment is finished. Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more medication or take it more often than prescribed.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or constipation may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: stomach pain, muscle spasm/stiffness, vision changes (temporary loss of vision, blurred vision).
Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS:Before taking ondansetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or other serotonin blockers (e.g., granisetron); or if you have any other allergies. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: irregular heartbeat, liver disease, stomach/intestinal problems (recent abdominal surgery, ileus, swelling).
Ondansetron may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm. The risk of this condition may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs. Before using ondansetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have certain heart problems, family history of certain heart problems, or low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcohol consumption.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation.
This medication should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
This drug should not be used with apomorphine.
Tell your doctor about all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially tramadol.
Many drugs besides ondansetron may affect heart rhythm. Therefore, before using ondansetron, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. NOTES: Do not share this product with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. MISSED DOSE: Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is near the time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Tablets may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 36-86 degrees F (2-30 degrees C). Store the liquid form at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Store away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product. Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.
