warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Ondansetron (Zofran)?

You should not use ondansetron if:

Ondansetron is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether ondansetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ondansetron is not approved for use by anyone younger than 4 years old.

you are also using apomorphine (Apokyn); or
you are allergic to ondansetron or similar medicines (dolasetron, granisetron, palonosetron).

liver disease;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
congestive heart failure, slow heartbeats;
a personal or family history of long QT syndrome; or
a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines).

To make sure ondansetron is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Ondansetron (Zofran)?

Get emergency medical help if you have rash, hives; fever, chills, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. signs of an allergic reaction:

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe constipation, stomach pain, or bloating;
headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
fast or pounding heartbeats;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
blurred vision or temporary vision loss (lasting from only a few minutes to several hours);
high levels of serotonin in the body--agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.

diarrhea or constipation;
headache;
drowsiness; or
tired feeling.

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Ondansetron (Zofran)?

Use Ondansetron (Zofran) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Ondansetron can be taken with or without food.

The first dose of ondansetron is usually taken before the start of your surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

To take the (Zofran ODT): orally disintegrating tablet

To use ondansetron (Zuplenz): oral soluble film (strip)

Measure with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. liquid medicine

Take the ondansetron with a full glass of water. regular tablet

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store medicine in an upright position. liquid

Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Open the package and peel back the foil. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
Use dry hands to remove the tablet and place it in your mouth.
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

Keep the strip in the foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine.
Using dry hands, remove the strip and place it on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away.
Do not swallow the strip whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
Swallow several times after the strip dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved strip.
Wash your hands after using Zuplenz.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Ondansetron (Zofran)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. Do not

Secondary Uses

Ondansetron is sometimes used off-label to prevent nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy or the stomach flu.

Some early research has suggested the medicine may also play a role in helping the following conditions:

Fibromyalgia
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Tourette syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Schizophrenia
Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
Shivering associated with anesthesia
Hallucinations associated with Parkinson’s disease medicines