Drug Details
Therapeutic Class:
5-HT3 receptor antagonist / antiemetic
Forms:
Ondansetron regular tablet:
4 mg | 8 mg | 24 mg
Ondansetron oral soluble film:
4 mg | 8 mg
Ondansetron orally
disintegrating tablets:
4 mg | 8 mg
Ondansetron oral solution:
4 mg / 5mL
Intravenous ondansetron:
2 mg/mL
Administration:
By mouth - this medication guide will focus on the oral dosage form of ondansetron.
IV administration (into a vein)
Therapeutic Uses:
Prevents nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
What is ondansetron hydrochoride (Zofran)?
Ondansetron is the generic name of Zofran. Ondansetron is a commonly-used antiemetic both in the hospital and outpatient. Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. Ondansetron is used alone or in combination with other medications.
There may be other uses of ondansetron hydrochloride—your pharmacist or physician can give you further information and assistance. Doctors also prescribe ondansetron for morning sickness. However, the use of ondansetron for morning sickness is controversial due to its potential for causing birth defects.
Who can take ondansetron hydrochoride (Zofran)?
- Adults
- Children who are at least four years old
Uses
What is ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran) used for?
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to radiation therapy
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery
How does ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran) work?
Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist; it works by blocking one of the body’s natural substances - serotonin. Serotonin can trigger nausea and vomiting. By blocking serotonin, ondansetron prevents such side effects.
What is the dosage of ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran)?
Ondansetron dosage must be adjusted for those with severe hepatic impairment; the usual maximum dose for ondansetron is 8 mg every 24 hours.
No dose adjustment is necessary for renal impairment.
Typical adult dosage of ondansetron:
Prevention of severe nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy:
- A single 24-mg dose given 30 minutes before the start of single-day cancer chemotherapy with severe nausea and vomiting.
Prevention of moderate nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy:
- 8 mg administered 30 minutes before the start of cancer chemotherapy; Subsequent doses of 8 mg can be given twice daily (every 12 hours) for 1 to 2 days after completion of chemotherapy.
Radiation:
- 8 mg administered 1 to 2 hours before each radiotherapy session each day
- Depending on the type of radiation, you can administer subsequent doses of 8 mg every 8 hours after the first dose for 1 to 2 days after completion of radiation.
Postoperative nausea (after surgery):
- 16 mg administered 1 hour before induction of general anesthesia such as barbiturate, spinal opioid therapy, or nitrous oxide.
Typical pediatric dosage of ondansetron:
Prevention of moderate nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy:
- 12 to 17 years of age: 8 mg given before the start of chemotherapy, with a subsequent 8 mg dose given 8 hours after the first dose - a total of 2 doses; then give 8 mg twice daily (every 12 hours) for 1 to 2 days after completion of chemotherapy.
- 4 to 11 years of age: 4 mg given 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy, with a subsequent 4 mg dose given 4 and 8 hours after the first dose - a total of 3 doses; then administer 4 mg three times daily (every 8 hours) for 1 to 2 days after completion of chemotherapy.
- Dosage for pediatric patients may also be based on weight.
Directions
How should I take ondansetron hydrochloride?
Take ondansetron exactly per your doctor’s dosing instructions. Follow all directions on the prescription label and any medication guides if provided. Never take a larger or smaller amount than the prescribed or recommended dose.
Ondansetron can be taken with or without food.
The first dose is usually taken 30 minutes before starting chemotherapy, radiation, or induction on anesthesia for surgery.
For chemotherapy or radiation that is highly vomiting-inducing, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take ondansetron carefully when you’re at home.
Take the regular oral ondansetron tablets with a full glass of water.
For the orally disintegrating tablets (ondansetron ODT or Zofran ODT):
- Keep all the tablets inside the blister pack until you are ready to take one. Open the package and peel the foil carefully, do not push these tablets through the foil as they may get damaged.
- Ensure your hands are dry before you handle an orally disintegrating tablet, as moisture can disintegrate it.
- Do not swallow whole. Place the orally disintegrating tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve entirely without chewing.
- Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. You may drink some water after the tablet dissolves to help swallow it.
For the oral soluble film (Zuplenz):
- Keep the film in the pouch until you are ready to use it
- Do not chew or swallow the film
- Make sure your hands are dry; tear the pouch carefully along the edge and remove the oral soluble film from it.
- Once removing the film from the pouch, place it on top of the tongue, where it dissolved in 4 to 20 seconds.
- Swallow several times as the film dissolves. You may drink some water to help the swallowing, but it is not required.
- Wash your hands after handling the oral soluble film
If you are using the liquid form of ondansetron for you or your child, follow the doctor’s dosing instructions and measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided. Do not use household items such as kitchen spoons.
Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose of ondansetron, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose or take more than prescribed to make up for the missed dose.
Storage: Keep the medication in its original container or blister packs; keep it tightly closed, out of reach of children, pets, and other people. Like any other medications dispensed only with prescriptions, ondansetron should not be shared with anyone. Many people store their medications in the bathroom; this is not recommended due to moisture and heat.
Unused medications: Like other prescription medications, do not consume ondansetron (Zofran) after expiration. This medication is a prescription drug that is intended for your use only. Unneeded medication should be disposed of appropriately to prevent children, pets, and other people from getting to it. Your local pharmacy can provide information about medication drug take-back programs. You can also learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary and may not contain all possible information. If you have more questions or concerns about ondansetron, talk to your pharmacist or doctor to ensure that this information applies to you or your family member.
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Side Effects
What are ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran) side effects?
Signs of ondansetron allergic reactions: difficulty breathing, hives (rash on your body), swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat—If you experience any of these symptoms, please call 911 or seek emergency medical care at the nearest emergency room (ER).
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Serotonin syndrome or high level of serotonin in your body: fever, sweating, fast/pounding heart rate, nausea and vomiting, agitation, hallucinations, loss of coordination, fainting, diarrhea
- Stomach pain, severe constipation
- Headache with chest pain
- Severe dizziness; fast, pounding heart rate
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Blurred vision or sudden vision loss that can last from minutes to several hours
Common side effects of ondansetron:
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea or constipation
Less common side effects of ondansetron:
- Decrease in frequency/amount of urination
- Difficult urination
- Painful urination
Ondansetron overdose: Go to the nearest emergency room or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. You can find more information at your local poison control center or at www.poisonhelp.org/help
Ondansetron overdose symptoms:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Severe constipation
The above list on this site may not include all the possible side effects of ondansetron hydrochloride. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist at your local pharmacy if you have persistent side effects or any side effects that are not listed above. You can also report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Source: FDA
Warnings
What are the risks of taking ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran)?
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What should I tell my doctor before starting ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran)?
Ondansetron is not to be used for children younger than 4 years old.
You should inform your doctor about your complete medical history, including medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, and breastfeeding status.
Tell your doctor if you have:
- Any electrolyte imbalance, such as a low level of blood potassium or magnesium.
- Liver disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Arrhythmia (heart rhythm disorder)
- Personal or family history of QT interval prolongation or Torsades de Pointes
- A blockage in your digestive tract
You should not use ondansetron (Zofran) if:
- You are using apomorphine (Apokyn).
- You are allergic to ondansetron or other drugs in the same drug class, such as granisetron, palonosetron, dolasetron.
- Taking ondansetron during early pregnancy does not appear to increase the risks of birth defects for the infant. Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether ondansetron is excreted into breast milk. Tell your healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding.
What proper medical care should I take while on ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran)?
- You should keep all your doctor appointments.
- Ondansetron may slow your thinking or reactions; take caution if you have to drive or perform any activities that require mental alertness.
- If you use liquid ondansetron, you should measure the dose carefully using an oral dosing syringe.
- Do not let anyone else use your ondansetron even though they may have the same symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.
What precautions should I take while on ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran)?
- Check your blood pressure as instructed. Ask your doctor about your goal blood pressure and when to contact them regarding an out-of-range blood pressure reading.
- Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checkups.
- Do not self-treat with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for pain, coughs, and colds while using lisinopril. Some ingredients in these medicines can increase blood pressure. Get medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist before using any OTC remedies.
- Pregnant women and those who are actively trying to conceive should inform the prescribing physician.
- Inform your doctor if you get severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Dehydration can increase the risk of kidney injury while taking lisinopril
- Avoid salt substitutes unless advised otherwise by your doctor or health care professional.
- Lisinopril can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do anything that requires you to be mentally alert until you know how lisinopril affects you.
- Reduce or limit alcohol intake while taking lisinopril
What drugs can interact with ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran)?
Tell your doctor and pharmacist all of the medications you are taking or have recently stopped. Certain medications, when used at the same time with ondansetron, can cause drug interactions that increase the risk of heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia); let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Antibiotics - macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin.
- Heart rhythm medicines - amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide.
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotic medicines
- Medicines to treat cancer, HIV, or AIDS
Taking ondansetron with serotonergic drugs (drugs that affect the level of serotonin) can cause serotonin syndrome, where there is a high level of serotonin built-up in the body. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medication classes:
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Medicines for nausea and vomiting
- Narcotic pain medications
This is not a complete list. Other drugs, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and vitamins, may interact with ondansetron (Zofran, Zofran ODT). Not all potential drug interactions are listed in this guide. It is highly recommended to keep a list of all the drug products you are using (prescriptions, over-the-counter products, herbal supplements, natural products, and vitamins) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Pros & Cons
What are the pros and cons of ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran)?
- Well-tolerated with minor adverse effects by most people
- Available as a generic at a lower price
- Ondansetron oral soluble film, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral solution are available for adults and children with problems swallowing.
- Safe to be used in both adults and children
- Can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome if being taken with drugs such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.
- Higher doses of ondansetron can increase the risk of heart rhythm problems, especially if you already have a personal or family history of irregular heartbeat.
- Ondansetron dosage needs to be adjusted for people with liver disease.
- Can mask the symptoms of intestinal blockage or stomach bloating
Pharmacist Tips
Ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran) tips from pharmacists
If you have severe liver disease, you should not take more than 8 mg of ondansetron within 24 hours.
Ondansetron can make you tired and dizzy. You should be very careful if you have to drive, operate hazardous machinery, or perform any activities that require mental alertness.
If you are using liquid ondansetron, carefully measure the dose using the dosing syringe provided. You could ask your pharmacist if you were not provided with one.
Make sure your hands are dry before touching the orally disintegrating tablet; carefully peel off the foil and remove the tablet. Do not push the orally disintegrating tablet through the foil, as the tablet may get damaged.
Ondansetron may have drug interactions with certain antidepressants and antipsychotics, causing serotonin syndrome. Though this condition is rare, it is life-threatening. You should watch out for symptoms such as fever, sweating, fast heartbeat, confusion, diarrhea, and muscle stiffness. Let your doctor know if you are taking any medication for mental health.
Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions on the prescription label. Ask your pharmacist if you have any other questions or concerns.
Rx Savings Tips
Ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran) Rx savings tips
Ondansetron is available as a generic medication. Other trademarks of ondansetron are Zofran, and Zuplenz. The generic version is a lot cheaper than the brand-name version. For additional savings and discounts, with a BuzzRx discount coupon or savings card, you can get ondansetron at substantially lower prices. By presenting the free BuzzRx discount card at your preferred pharmacy, you can save on out-of-pocket costs for ondansetron while helping BuzzRx give back to the community. BuzzRx discount cards can be used to save on drugs at all participating pharmacies, including CVS pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite Aid, among other major pharmacies. Visit our website to see all of the pharmacies in our network.
Lowest Price for ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran) | |
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VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. | |
Common Questions
Common Questions about ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran)
Can ondansetron or Zofran be used for anxiety?Ondansetron (Zofran) is not indicated to treat anxiety. However, some people feel less anxious when their nausea and vomiting are under control. |
Does ondansetron make you drowsy or sleepy?Yes, ondansetron can make you drowsy or sleepy. You should be very careful if you have to drive or perform activities that require mental alertness, especially at the beginning of therapy when you don’t know how your body would react to this medication. |
How long before a meal should I take ondansetron?If you take ondansetron to prevent nausea and vomiting when you eat, you should take the regular oral tablet about 30 minutes to an hour before meals. For the orally disintegrating tablet or oral soluble film, you can take them about 15 minutes before meals. |
When should I expect the effects of ondansetron?The effects of ondansetron can last from 8 to 12 hours. Ondansetron works pretty quickly. You may experience some relief as soon as 30 minutes after taking it. |
What is the price of Ondansetron without insurance?Without insurance, Ondansetron can be as high as $135.99 (generic), but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $16.07 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of Ondansetron with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on Ondansetron—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for ondansetron. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medication, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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