GENERIC NAME: ONDANSETRON - INJECTION (on-DANS-eh-tron)
BRAND NAME(S): Zofran
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy or after surgery. It works by blocking the hormone (serotonin) that causes vomiting.
HOW TO USE: The first dose is injected 30 minutes before chemotherapy is begun. After chemo is completed, use as directed by your doctor, usually for 1 or 2 days after chemo is done.
SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea or constipation, headache, lightheadedness or drowsiness (uncommon), as well as blurred vision may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. You may experience redness, irritation or swelling at the injection site. If this continues or becomes severe, contact your doctor. Very unlikely but report promptly: chest pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., distension), liver disease, any allergies. Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects. Caution performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving) until you know how this medication affects you. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Nausea and Vomiting - Nausea and vomiting symptoms of many conditions including motion sickness, pregnancy, emotional stress, gallbladder disease, and more. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of nausea and vomiting on MedicineNet.com
- Cancer - Learn about cancer types, disease statistics, facts, and survival rates, and get information about how malignant tumors (cancerous growths) metastasize or spread.
- Antiemetics - Learn some of the causes of nausea and vomiting (pregnancy, motion sickness, overeating, postoperative) and read about treatments and their side effects.
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