What is Zofran (ondansetron)?

Zofran is a medication primarily used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antiemetics. Zofran works by blocking the action of serotonin, a chemical in the body that triggers vomiting. It is available in tablet form, as well as an oral disintegrating tablet and liquid solution. The medication is typically taken before undergoing treatment or surgery, and its effects can last for several hours. Common side effects may include headache, constipation, and dizziness. Zofran is prescribed by healthcare professionals and should be used as directed.

Zofran (ondansetron)
Zofran
Ondansetron
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Ondansetron (Generic)
Ondansetron
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Prescription Required.

Product of Canada.

Shipped from Canada.

Prescription Required.Product of Canada.Shipped from Canada.

What is Zofran (ondansetron)?

Zofran is a medication prescribed for the prevention of nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy treatment, radiation treatment, and surgery.

Zofran belongs to the drug class, antiemetics. These types of medications work by blocking messages your body sends to the brain about nausea. Blocking these signals reduces and can prevent nausea that leads to vomiting.

What are the Indications for Zofran?

Zofran is indicated for the prevention of nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy that have a tendency to highly or moderately induce nausea (emetogenic) leading to vomiting. Zofran may also be used to prevent nausea as a result of radiotherapy for those undergoing radiation treatment as well as for postoperative recovery from surgery.

Zofran is not recommended if you are allergic to Zofran or any ingredients in Zofran.

How is Zofran used?

Storage

Zofran tablets should be stored at room temperature between 36°F and 86°F (2°C – 30°C). Keep Zofran away from light in a tight-lidded container that does not allow light to pass.

Keep out of reach of children.

Instruction

Take Zofran as directed by your doctor depending on your diagnosis, with or without food.

ZOFRAN ODT Orally Disintegrating Tablets

Peel the foil backing and carefully remove the tablet as it can crumble easily. Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve with your saliva. No water is needed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is past the day you should have taken Zofran, skip the missed dose, and take your next dose at your next scheduled time.

Dosage

Zofran is available in three forms: tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and oral solution.

  • Zofran tablets are available in the following strengths: 4 mg and 8 mg.
  • Zofran orally disintegrating tablets are available in the following forms: 4 mg and 8 mg.
  • Zofran oral solution is available as 4 mg/5ml in a 50-mL bottle.

The recommended dosage is dependent on your diagnosis. If you are taking Zofran for:

Highly Emetogenic Cancer Chemotherapy

The recommended dose is 24 mg to be taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy treatment that may highly induce nausea.

Moderately Emetogenic Cancer Chemotherapy

18+ years of age: The recommended dose is 8 mg to be taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy treatment followed by a second dose 8 hours after the initial dose. Then take 8 mg two times a day, 12 hours apart, for 1-2 days after the end of chemotherapy.

12 – 17 years of age: The recommended dose is 8 mg to be taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy treatment. Take a second dose 4 hours later followed by a third dose 8 hours after the initial dose. Then take 8 mg three times daily for 1-2 days after the end of chemotherapy.

4 – 11 years of age: The recommended dose is 4 mg to be taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy treatment.  Take a second dose 4 hours later followed by a third dose 8 hours after the initial dose. Then take 4 mg three times daily for 1-2 days after the end of chemotherapy.

Radiotherapy

Total body radiation therapy: The recommended dose is 8 mg to be taken 1-2 hours before therapy.

Single high-dose fraction radiotherapy: The recommended dose is 8 mg to be taken 1-2 hours before therapy followed by a 8 mg dose every 8 hours after the initial dose for 1-2 days after the end of radiotherapy.

Daily fractionated radiotherapy: The recommended dose is 8 mg to be taken 1-2 hours before therapy followed by a 8 mg dose every 8 hours after the initial dose for each day of therapy.

Postoperative Surgery

The recommended dose is 16 mg to be taken 1 hour before the start of anesthesia.

Do not change your dosage and take more than what is prescribed without consulting with your doctor. If you took more than prescribed, contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care right away.

Side Effects

It’s important to understand that although Zofran is FDA-approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.

Before starting Zofran, you should discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common Side Effects

Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Zofran, side effects may go away.

Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own:

  • Drowsiness or feeling tired
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • constipation

Serious Side Effects

Severe adverse reactions while taking Zofran can occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Severe allergic reaction: severe rash or itching, swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat, rapid heartbeat, fainting or dizziness, or problems breathing or swallowing.
  • Fast or pounding heartbeats
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)
  • Blurred vision or vision loss
  • Severe stomach pain, bloating, or constipation
  • Headache with chest pain and fast or pounding heartbeats

The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

Before taking Zofran, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

  • If you are allergic to any medications such as Zofran
  • If you have congenital long QT syndrome
  • If you are pregnant or expect to become pregnant or conceive
  • If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Hypersensitivity Reactions

There have been reports of hypersensitivity reactions when taking Zofran from patients who had hypersensitivity with similar medications. Reported hypersensitivity reactions include anaphylaxis, cardiopulmonary arrest, and bronchospasm. If you experience a hypersensitivity reaction, discontinue use and contact your doctor right away.

Abnormal Heart Rhythm (QT Prolongation)

Taking Zofran may cause abnormal heart rhythm where there is a longer than normal pause between heart beats. Do not take Zofran if you have congenital long QT syndrome. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms or these symptoms have increased.

Serotonin Syndrome

Taking Zofran may result in a condition known as serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation, hallucinations and delirium, autonomic instability such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, dizziness, excessive sweating, flushing, and hyperthermia.

Other effects that may result from taking zofran are neuromuscular symptoms and seizures, which can be accompanied by gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Zofran ODT contains phenylalanine which is a component of aspartame. Taking Zofran ODT may impact patients with phenylketonuria. Consult with your doctor before taking Zofran as there are other formulations such as the non-dissolving tablet and solution that may be a safer option.

Interactions & Contraindications

Before taking Zofran, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins.

Apomorphine

Taking apomorphine with Zofran may result in hypotension and fainting or a loss in consciousness. Taking both medications can also increase the risk for QT prolongation. Apomorphine should be avoided when taking Zofran unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Dronedarone

Taking dronedarone with Zofran may significantly increase the potency of Zofran. This can increase the risk for QT prolongation. Dronedarone should be avoided while taking Zofran unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Lefamulin

Taking lefamulin with Zofran may significantly increase the potency of Zofran. Zofran is metabolized by hepatic enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP1A2). Taking lefamulin with CYP3A4 medications can increase the risk for irregular heart rhythms. Lefamulin should be avoided while taking Zofran unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Posaconazole

Taking posaconazole with Zofran may significantly increase the potency of Zofran. Posaconazole should be avoided while taking Zofran unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

The active ingredient in Zofran is ondansetron hydrochloride.

Zofran tablets may contain the following inactive ingredients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and iron oxide yellow.

Zofran ODT may contain the following inactive ingredients: aspartame, gelatin, mannitol, methylparaben sodium, propylparaben sodium, and strawberry flavor.

Zofran oral solution may contain the following inactive ingredients: citric acid anhydrous, purified water, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sorbitol, and strawberry flavor.

Zofran is available in the following form and strengths:

  • Zofran tablets – 4 mg and 8 mg
  • Zofran orally disintegrating tablets – 4 mg and 8 mg
  • Zofran oral solution – 4 mg/5ml in a 50-mL bottle

Zofran is approved to prevent nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy treatments and radiotherapy that are prone to inducing nausea and vomiting.

Zofran should not be taken in pregnant women and is not approved for the treatment of morning sickness. Taking Zofran may inadvertently harm the unborn child.

Zofran is approved for patients 4 years of age and older for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy treatments or radiotherapy.

You should not use Zofran if you are allergic to Zofran.

Serious allergic reactions include severe rash or itching, swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat, rapid heartbeat, fainting or dizziness, or problems breathing or swallowing.

If you plan on taking Zofran, consult with your doctor about any pre-existing conditions, medications, or therapy you are taking. Or if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor will determine if Zofran is appropriate and/or if other forms of therapy will be needed.

Take Zofran as directed by your doctor depending on your diagnosis and treatment, with or without food.

Zofran should start working within 30 minutes though for some people, it may take longer before you notice a difference.

Take your missed daily dose immediately. If it is past the day you should have taken your dose, skip this dose, and take your next dose as scheduled.

If you took more than prescribed, contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care right away. Taking more Zofran than prescribed may result in constipation, temporary vision loss or issues, and light-headedness.

Common side effects include drowsiness or feeling tired, headache, diarrhea, and constipation.

You should contact your doctor or seek immediate help if you experience an allergic reaction, yellowing of the eyes, severe abdominal pain, persistent headaches, severe weakness or muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, dizziness, or uncontrollable movements of the limbs.

Zofran is not a chemotherapy medication. Zofran is a prescribed medication to prevent nausea and vomiting while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Continue taking Zofran until your doctor discontinues your dose or you experience severe side effects. In the event you experience any severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.

Yes, with a prescription, you can purchase Zofran online. Buying medications online is convenient and often less expensive than purchasing at your local pharmacy.