Description
What is this medicine for
This medication is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, prescribed for nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. It blocks serotonin receptors in the vomiting center and on nerves supplying the digestive system.
How does it work
Ondansetron helps with upset stomach and throwing up.
How should this medicine be used
It comes as a tablet, a rapidly disintegrating (dissolving) tablet, and an oral solution to take by mouth, and injection administered intravenously. The first dose of this medication is usually taken 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy, 1 to 2 hours before the start of radiation therapy, or 1 hour before surgery. Additional doses are sometimes taken one to three times a day during Cytotoxic Chemotherapy or radiation therapy and for 1 to 2 days after the end of treatment.
Common side effects of this medicine
Headache. Feeling tired or weak. Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help. Talk with your doctor about a stool softener or laxative. Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing. Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you. A faster, harmful heartbeat may rarely happen.
What do I do if I miss a dose
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What precautions should I take when taking this medicine
If you have an allergy to ondansetron or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
When do I need to seek medical help
If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. A fast heartbeat. Change in thinking clearly and with logic. Very bad headache. Feeling very tired or weak. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.
Can I take it with other medicines
Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. – Taking them together can cause bad side effects. – Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.
Are there any food restrictions
Avoid Alcohol
How do I store this medicine
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. – Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Pregnancy Category
Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
Therapeutic Classification
Antiemetics, Supportive Care Therapy
