MedDataToolOndansetron
Generic: Ondansetron Hydrochloride
5-HT3 receptor antagonist✓ FDA-verified
View full FDA label ↗Ondansetron is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and after surgery. It works by blocking certain signals in the brain that trigger these feelings, helping you feel more comfortable during treatment. You typically take it as a tablet, starting with a dose of 8 mg taken before treatment, and it can be increased to a maximum of 24 mg for certain types of chemotherapy. It’s important to know that if you have a severe liver problem, you should not take more than 8 mg in a day. Additionally, you should avoid using ondansetron if you are taking apomorphine, as it can cause serious side effects.
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Uses
- Nausea and vomiting from highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy.
- Nausea and vomiting from moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy.
- Nausea and vomiting from radiotherapy.
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting.
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Dosage
Adults: 24 mg before highly emetogenic chemotherapy.
Adults: 8 mg before moderately emetogenic chemotherapy, then 8 mg every 12 hours for 1-2 days.
Pediatrics (12-17 years): 8 mg before chemotherapy, then 8 mg every 12 hours.
Pediatrics (4-11 years): 4 mg before chemotherapy, then 4 mg every 8 hours.
Patients with severe liver issues: do not exceed 8 mg daily.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
headachefatigueconstipationdiarrheahypersensitivity reactions
Serious
QT prolongationserotonin syndrome
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Do not exceed 8 mg daily in severe liver impairment.
- Risk of serotonin syndrome with serotonergic drugs.
- Monitor for QT prolongation in patients with heart issues.
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Drug interactions
- Serotonergic drugsrisk of serotonin syndromeCaution
- CYP3A4 inducersincreased clearance of ondansetronCaution
- Tramadolmay increase pain medication needsCaution
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).