Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 25, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Zofran
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antiemetic
Pharmacologic Class: Serotonin Receptor Antagonist, 5-HT3
Uses for ondansetron
Ondansetron injection is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medicines (chemotherapy or radiation), including high-dose cisplatin. Ondansetron is also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting that may happen after surgery.
Ondansetron is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using ondansetron
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For ondansetron, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to ondansetron or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ondansetron injection in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children being treated for nausea and vomiting due to cancer treatments who are younger than 6 months of age or for the prevention of nausea and vomiting from surgery in children younger than 1 month of age.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ondansetron injection in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction migh...
