Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 18, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Zofran
- Zofran ODT
- Zuplenz
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet, Disintegrating
- Film
- Tablet
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antiemetic
Pharmacologic Class: Serotonin Receptor Antagonist, 5-HT3
Uses for ondansetron
Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that is caused by cancer medicines (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy. It is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery. Ondansetron works in the stomach to block the signals to the brain that cause nausea and vomiting.
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 have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of ondansetron in children younger than 4 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ondansetron 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 might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When y...
