Indications
- Medication used alone or with other drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
- Also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery.
- Blocks serotonin, a natural substance in the body that triggers vomiting.
Dosage and administration
- Take medication for chemotherapy-related nausea 30 minutes before treatment, for radiation treatment 1-2 hours before, and for surgery 1 hour before.
- May be taken with or without food but follow doctor’s advice on eating before treatment.
- Use a special measuring device for the liquid form, not a household spoon.
- Follow doctor’s directions for additional doses, up to 3 times a day for 1-2 days post-treatment.
- Take regularly on a prescribed schedule for maximum benefit.
- Dosage depends on medical condition, response to therapy, and for children, may be based on age and weight.
- Maximum dose for severe liver problems is 8 milligrams in 24 hours.
- Take exactly as directed; do not exceed prescribed dosage or frequency.
- Inform the doctor if the condition does not improve or worsens.
Side effects
- Possible side effects: headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, constipation.
- If effects persist or worsen, inform the doctor..
- To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly from sitting or lying position.
- Medication prescribed considering benefits outweigh risks.
- Serious side effects: stomach pain, muscle spasm/stiffness, vision changes.
- Very serious side effects: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.
- Risk of serotonin syndrome; inform doctor of all medications.
- Symptoms of serotonin syndrome: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
- Rare but serious allergic reaction; seek medical help for symptoms like rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- Not a complete list of side effects; contact doctor/pharmacist for other effects.
Precautions
- Inform doctor/pharmacist of allergies to ondansetron or serotonin blockers.
- Check for inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions.
- Share medical history, especially irregular heartbeat, liver disease, stomach/intestinal issues.
- Ondansetron may cause QT prolongation, leading to serious/fast/irregular heartbeat.
- Risk may increase with certain medical conditions or drugs; disclose all medications and relevant conditions.
- Low potassium/magnesium levels may elevate QT prolongation risk; discuss use of ondansetron with the doctor.
- Medication can cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid alcohol/marijuana, be cautious with activities requiring alertness.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, particularly QT prolongation.
- Use during pregnancy only if necessary; discuss risks and benefits with the doctor.
- Unknown if the drug passes into breast milk; consult doctor before breastfeeding.