Brand name Zofran

Used in the following combined preparations None

general information

Ondansetron, an anti-emetic, is used especially for treating the nausea and vomiting associated with radiotherapy and anticancer drugs, such as cisplatin. It may also be prescribed for the nausea and vomiting that occur after surgery.

The dose given and the frequency will depend on which anti-cancer drug you are having and the dose of that drug, in most instances, you will receive a dose of ondansetron, either by mouth or injection, before infusion of the anti­cancer agent, then tablets for up to five

days after the treatment has finished. The activity of ondansetron against the delayed nausea and vomiting that occur several days after chemotherapy is much less than its activity against the symptoms that occur soon after anticancer treatment.

To enhance the effectiveness of ondansetron, it is usually taken with other drugs, such as dexamethasone. Serious adverse effects are unlikely to occur.

information for users

Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.

How taken

Tablets, injection.

Frequency and timing of doses

Normally 2 x daily but the frequency will depend on the reason for which it is being used.

Adult dosage range

4-32mg daily depending on the reason for which it is being used.

Onset of effect

Within 1 hour.

Duration of action

Approximately 12 hours.

Diet advice

None.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Protect from light.

Missed dose

Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.

Stopping the drug

Can be safely stopped as soon as you no longer need it.

Exceeding the dose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern. But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.

possible adverse effects

Ondansetron is considered to be safe and is generally well tolerated. It does not cause sedation and movement disorders, adverse effects of some of the other anti-emetics.

Symptom/effect	Frequency Common	Rare	Discus doctor Only if severe	with In all cases	Stop taking drug now	Call doctor now
Constipation	•		■
Headache	•		■
Warm feeling in head/stomach		•	■

interactions

None

quick reference

Drug group Anti-emetic

Overdose danger rating Low

Dependence rating Low

Prescription needed Yes

Available as generic No

special precautions

Be sure to tell your doctor if:

▼ You have a long-term liver problem.

▼ You are taking other medications.

Pregnancy

Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.

Breast-feeding

▼ The drug passes into the breast milk. Discuss with your doctor.

Infants and children

Reduced dose necessary.

Over 60

▼ No special problems.

Driving and hazardous work

▼ No problems expected.

Alcohol

No known problems.

prolonged use

Not generally prescribed for long-term treatment.