What is Ondansetron?
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. Ondansetron is available in the brand-name drug called Zofran ODT. The medication is also available in the form of a generic drug.
Ondansetron helps in blocking the action of chemicals in the body which triggers nausea and vomiting. It is also used for preventing nausea and vomiting which is caused by surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Ondansetron Uses
Ondansetron tablets are used for preventing nausea and vomiting caused due to some medical treatment. The treatment includes:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation treatment
- Surgery
Ondansetron belongs to the class of medication called serotonin 5- HT3 antagonists. This works by blocking the action of serotonin, it’s a natural substance which can cause nausea and vomiting.
Side Effects
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, due to Ondansetron if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. 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.
Precautions
Before taking Ondansetron talk to your doctor if you are allergic to it or some other medications. 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 are having any medical history such as:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Liver disease
- Intestinal problems
Ondansetron can cause a condition which will affect the heart rhythm i.e. QT prolongation. QT prolongation will rarely cause some serious and irregular heartbeat.
The risk of QT prolongation can be increased if you are having some serious medical condition or if you are taking certain medications which can cause QT prolongations.
How to take Ondansetron?
Ondansetron comes in the form of a tablet and oral solution. The first dosage of Ondansetron is usually taken 30 minutes before starting chemotherapy, 1 to 2 hours before starting 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. And 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 Ondansetron.
Dosage
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.
Missed Dose
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.
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.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure 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. In case 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 always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor 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
|
