ondansetron
Pronunciation: on DAN se tron Brand: Zofran What is the most important information I should know about ondansetron?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ondansetron or to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), or palonosetron (Aloxi). Before taking ondansetron, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.
Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
The serious side effects of this medication include blurred vision or temporary blindness, slow heart rate, trouble breathing, anxiety, agitation, shivering, feeling light-headed, or fainting, and urinating less than usual or not at all. Stop taking ondansetron and call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects.
Ondansetron can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. What is ondansetron?
Ondansetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery or by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy or radiation).
Ondansetron may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take ondansetron?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ondansetron, to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), or palonosetron (Aloxi). Before taking ondansetron, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- liver disease;
- a history of allergic reaction to any medicine; or
- a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use ondansetron, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Ondansetron can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
How should I take ondansetron?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Ondansetron can be taken with or without food.
Take the ondansetron regular tablet with a full glass of water. To take ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet (Zofran ODT):
- Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
- Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
- Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
- Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Measure the liquid form of ondansetron with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Store ondansetron at room temperature away from moisture and heat. What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an ondansetron overdose may include sudden loss of vision, severe constipation, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking ondansetron?
Ondansetron can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. What are the possible side effects of ondansetron?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- blurred vision or temporary blindness;
- fever;
- slow heart rate, trouble breathing;
- anxiety, agitation, shivering;
- feeling light-headed, fainting; or
- urinating less than usual or not at all.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
- diarrhea or constipation;
- weakness or tired feeling;
- headache;
- dizziness or drowsiness;
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect ondansetron?
Before receiving ondansetron, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
- phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital (Luminal);
- carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);
- tramadol (Ultram); or
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use ondansetron, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect ondansetron. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has information about ondansetron written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Ondansetron is available with a prescription under the brand name Zofran. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
- Zofran 4 mg--white, oval, film-coated tablets
- Zofran 8 mg--yellow, oval, film-coated tablets
- Zofran ODT Orally Disintegrating Tablets 4 mg-white, round tablets
- Zofran ODT Orally Disintegrating Tablets 8 mg-white, round tablets
- Zofran Oral Solution 4 mg/5 mL-clear, colorless to light yellow liquid with a strawberry odor
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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