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ondansetron - injection, Zofran

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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 alone or with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. It is also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery. It works by blocking one of the body's natural substances (serotonin) that causes vomiting.

HOW TO USE: To prevent nausea from chemotherapy, ondansetron may be given as a single dose or 3 smaller doses. It is mixed in a solution and given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually over 15 minutes. This drug is usually started 30 minutes before your chemotherapy treatment begins. Do not give this medication any faster than recommended because this may increase the chance of serious side effects such as blurred vision or slowed/irregular heartbeat. Depending on the type of chemotherapy treatment you are receiving, a smaller first dose may be used, and a second and third dose may be given 4 and 8 hours after your first dose. You may also be switched to a medication you can take by mouth, or a low dose of ondansetron may be given continuously through an IV for up to 24 hours.Your doctor may direct you to continue this medication for 1 or 2 days after your chemotherapy treatment. If you are using this medication on a prescribed schedule, use it regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Use this medication exactly as directed. Do not use more medication or use it more often than prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.To prevent or treat nausea after surgery, a single dose of ondansetron may be given undiluted into a muscle or vein (IV) shortly before the start of surgery, during surgery, or after surgery by a health care professional.Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, fever, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, constipation, or redness/pain/burning at the injection site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: stomach pain, muscle stiffness/spasm, vision changes (e.g., temporary loss of vision, blurred vision, uncontrollable eye movements).Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, fainting, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.