GENERIC NAME: ONDANSETRON ORAL DISINTEGRATING TABLET (on-DANCE-eh-tron)
BRAND NAME(S): Zofran ODT
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
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: This medication is dissolved on top of the tongue. It is not meant to be chewed or swallowed like other tablet forms. Dry your hands before peeling back the foil to remove a tablet. Do not try to push the tablet through the foil. Immediately after removing the tablet from its blister pack, place the tablet on your tongue where it will dissolve in seconds. After it dissolves, swallow it with saliva. Drinking a liquid is not necessary. The first dose is usually taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy. Take further doses as directed, usually for 1-2 days after completion of chemotherapy. Other medical conditions and procedures require different dosing schedules. Follow your doctor's orders carefully.
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. 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), allergies (especially drug allergies). Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects. Use 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.
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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