ondansetron

(on DAN se tron)
Zofran

What is the most important information I should know about ondansetron?

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The ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets (Zofran ODT) can be taken with or without water. Do not remove the tablet from the blister until immediately before taking a dose. Do not try to push the tablet through the foil backing, the tablet may break. With dry hands, peel back the foil backing of one blister and gently remove the tablet. Immediately place the tablet on your tongue where it will dissolve in seconds, then swallow with saliva. Administration with water is not necessary.

What is ondansetron?

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Ondansetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that may cause nausea and vomiting.

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Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

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Ondansetron may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take ondansetron?

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Before taking ondansetron, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

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The Zofran ODT (orally disintegrating tablets) contain phenylalanine. Phenylketonuric patients should be aware that both the 4 mg and 8 mg tablets contain less than 0.03 mg of phenylalanine.

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Ondansetron is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not likely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take ondansetron without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy.

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It is also not known whether ondansetron passes into breast milk. Do not take ondansetron without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take ondansetron?

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Take ondansetron exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Take each regular tablet with a full glass of water.

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To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of ondansetron with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

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Ondansetron can be taken with or without food.

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Store ondansetron at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention.

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Symptoms of a ondansetron overdose are not well known but might include headache, temporary blindness, constipation, faintness, and heart problems.

What should I avoid while taking ondansetron?

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There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with ondansetron unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of ondansetron?

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If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking ondansetron and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

irregular heartbeats; or

muscle cramps or uncontrollable movements.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ondansetron and talk to your doctor if you experience:

headache;

fatigue, drowsiness, or dizziness;

anxiety or agitation; or

diarrhea or constipation.

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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?

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Ondansetron has not been reported to interact with other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines during treatment with ondansetron.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has more information about ondansetron written for health professionals that you may read.

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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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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.