Zofran

Zofran

Generic Name: ondansetron (oral) (on DAN se tron)

Brand Names: Zofran, Zofran ODT, Zuplenz

What is Zofran?

Zofran (ondansetron) blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Zofran is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery or by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy or radiation).

Zofran may be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Zofran

You should not use Zofran if you are allergic to ondansetron or to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), or palonosetron (Aloxi). Do not take Zofran if you are also using apomorphine (Apokyn).

Before taking Zofran, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

Zofran orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

The serious side effects of Zofran include blurred vision or temporary vision loss (lasting from only a few minutes to several hours), slow heart rate, trouble breathing, anxiety, agitation, shivering, feeling like you might pass out, and urinating less than usual or not at all. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects. Zofran may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Before taking Zofran

You should not use Zofran if you are allergic to ondansetron, to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), or palonosetron (Aloxi). Do not take Zofran if you are also using apomorphine (Apokyn).

To make sure you can safely take Zofran, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

liver disease; or

a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category B. Zofran is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether ondansetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Zofran should not be given to a child younger than 4 years old.

See also: Zofran pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Zofran orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take Zofran?

Take Zofran exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medicine can be taken with or without food.

Take the Zofran regular tablet with a full glass of water.

To take ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet (Zofran ODT):

Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.

Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Measure the liquid form of Zofran with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Store Zofran at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include sudden loss of vision, severe constipation, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Zofran?

Zofran may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Zofran side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Zofran: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

blurred vision or temporary vision loss (lasting from only a few minutes to several hours);

slow heart rate, trouble breathing;

anxiety, agitation, shivering;

feeling like you might pass out; or

urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious Zofran side effects may include:

diarrhea or constipation;

weakness or tired feeling;

fever;

headache; or

dizziness, drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Zofran?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital (Luminal);

carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);

tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet); or

rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Zofran. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Zofran.