Ondansetron
About Ondansetron
Ondansetron is prescribed for the treatment of nausea as well as vomiting, caused by other medical treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. This belongs to the antiemetics class of drugs. This medicine work by blocking the chemical serotonin from releasing in your gut and your central nervous system. This will prevent vomiting and nausea.
Ondansetron is available in four different forms that can be taken orally; tablet, disintegrating (dissolving) tablet, solution and film. It also comes in an IV (intravenous) form that can be injected to your body by a doctor. You can take it with food or without food.
This medicine can be used alone as well as in a combination with other medicines for preventing vomiting and nausea that one experiences after a surgery, chemotherapy or radiation session.
Your doctor must be informed if you are allergic to Ondansetron as well as other medications that block serotonin, along with any other allergies that you have. He/ She must also know about your medical history and if you had problems such as:
- Liver disease,
- Irregular heartbeat,
- Stomach or intestinal problems in the past.
Apart from that, you must also inform the doctor if you are under any medication for depression or any psychiatric disorder. The dosage of Ondansetron is decided after taking your medical condition into account and how responsive your body is to therapy. In the case of children, the dose also depends on their weight and age.
If you are undergoing chemotherapy, you need to take Ondansetron orally half an hour before your treatment starts. In case of radiation, take it 1-2 hours before the procedure of treatment begins. For preventing nausea before surgery, it is advised to take the medication an hour before your surgery.
In case you miss a dose, you can take the medication once you remember it. If it is already time for the next dose, ensure that you do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. Overdose of Ondansetron can lead to severe constipation, faint spells or feeling light-headed.
The side effects of Ondansetron can include dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation and headache. These side effects are usually mild in nature and go away in a few days or 1-2 weeks. You can consult your doctor if these symptoms remain for a long time. There are some serious side effects that Ondansetron may have, which would require immediate medical supervision.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Ondansetron
Nausea Or Vomiting
Ondansetron is used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Ondansetron is used to treat nausea and vomiting in cancer chemotherapy patients.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Ondansetron ?
Avoid if the patient has a known allergy to Ondansetron.
Apomorphine
Avoid using Ondansetron with Ondansetron as it increases the risk of lightheadedness and loss of consciousness.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Ondansetron ?
Headache
Painful Urination
Abdominal Cramp
Rash
Bronchospasm
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Ondansetron
How long is the duration of effect?
This medicine is excreted primarily in urine and the effect of this medicine lasts for a duration of 12 to 28 hours.
What is the onset of action?
The peak effect of Ondansetron can be observed within 30 minutes for Intravenous and 2 hours for the tablet.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
Use of Ondansetron is not recommended in pregnant women.
Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendency has been reported.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
No clear data is available whether Ondansetron is excreted through human breast milk. So, use of this drug is not recommended in breastfeeding women.
Is It safe with alcohol?
It is safe to consume alcohol along with Ondansetron.
Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?
Ondansetron does not usually affect patients ability to drive.
Does this affect kidney function?
It is found safe to use Ondansetron in patients with kidney disease. No adjustment of dose is needed.
Does this affect liver function?
Limited information for Ondansetron is available in patients with liver disease. kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Are there any overdose instructions?
Seek emergency medical attention or contact the doctor in case of overdose.
Are there any missed dose instructions?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible and avoid taking it if its almost time for the other dose.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Where is the Ondansetron approved?
India
United States
Japan
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Ondansetron
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Ondansetron as ingredient
- Ondapil 4 MG Tablet MD
Psychotropics India Ltd
- Emitino 4 MG Tablet MD
Cachet Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Eterna 4 MG Tablet MD
Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd
- Emeset 4 MG Tablet MD
Cipla Ltd
- Emset 4 MG Tablet
Cipla Ltd
- Oset 2 MG Syrup
Medley Pharmaceuticals
- Ondai 4 MG Tablet
Medley Pharmaceuticals
- Ondem Of 4 MG Tablet
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Ondet 4 MG Injection
Neuron Pharma (P) Ltd
- Ondoc 4 MG Tablet
Morepen Laboratories Limited
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
This medication works peripherally and centrally by blocking 5-HT3 receptors present on vagal nerve terminals and CTZ respectively.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Ondansetron ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Interaction with Lab Test
Interaction with Medicine
Apomorphine
Use of Ondansetron with Apomorphine is not recommended. Replacement of the drug should be considered under the doctor's supervision. Usage of other medicines should be reported to the doctor.Amiodarone
Use of Ondansetron with Amiodarone is not recommended as it may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty in breathing if these drugs are used together. Regular cardiac function tests are to be performed if the patient is having any heart disease. Under doctor's supervision, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement of the drug should be considered. Usage of other medicines should be reported to the doctor.Amitriptyline
If these drugs are used together, the patient may experience confusion, hallucination, changes in blood pressure, fever or excessive sweating. Under doctor's supervision, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement of the drug should be considered. Usage of other medicines should be reported to the doctor.Carbamazepine
Patient's nausea and vomiting may not subside if these drugs are taken together. Under doctor's supervision, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement of the drug should be considered. Details of other drugs should be reported to the doctor.Phenytoin
Patient's nausea and vomiting may not subside if these drugs are taken together. Under doctor's supervision, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement of the drug should be considered. Details of other drugs should be reported to the doctor.Cyclophosphamide
The desired effect of cyclophosphamide will not be obtained if these drugs are concurrently taken. Under doctor's supervision, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement of the drug should be considered. Details of other drugs should be reported to the doctor.Interaction with Disease
Qt Prolongation
Details of any heart disease, family history of an arrhythmia or any other drugs that cause QT interval prolongation (eg: Antipsychotics, Arrhythmia drugs) should be reported to the doctor. Regular cardiac function tests are to be performed if the patient is having any heart disease.Interaction with Food
FAQs about Ondansetron
Ques : How quickly does Ondansetron work?
Ans : This drug starts working within 30 minutes to 2 hours. It dissolves rapidly into the bloodstream and starts showing its effect.
Ques : What are the side effects of Ondansetron?
Ans : Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue and headache. It is advised to consult your doctor if these symptoms stay for a longer time.
Ques : When should you take Ondansetron?
Ans : This medication must be taken with a glass of water. You can consume it with or without food. It should be used exactly as per the dose and duration advised by the doctor.
Ques : Is Ondansetron a steroid?
Ans : No, this medication is an anti-emetic and not a steroid.
Ques : Does Ondansetron work for seasickness?
Ans : No, it does not work for seasickness. This is because Ondansetron has little effect on nausea associated with motion sickness.
References
Ondansetron- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/ondansetron
Ondansetron 4mg Orodispersible Tablets- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2018 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10164/smpc
Important Information About Ondansetron- Drugs Bank [Internet]. drugsbanks.com. 2017 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://www.drugsbanks.com/important-information-about-ondansetron/
ONDANSETRON- ondansetron hydrochloride tablet- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2011 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fc3d39e0-8bf2-4c29-b872-66a1cf8bb2fb
Ondansetron- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/ondansetron
Ondansetron 4mg Orodispersible Tablets- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2018 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10164/smpc
Important Information About Ondansetron- Drugs Bank [Internet]. drugsbanks.com. 2017 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://www.drugsbanks.com/important-information-about-ondansetron/
ONDANSETRON- ondansetron hydrochloride tablet- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2011 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fc3d39e0-8bf2-4c29-b872-66a1cf8bb2fb
Ondansetron- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/ondansetron
Ondansetron 4mg Orodispersible Tablets- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2018 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10164/smpc
Important Information About Ondansetron- Drugs Bank [Internet]. drugsbanks.com. 2017 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://www.drugsbanks.com/important-information-about-ondansetron/
ONDANSETRON- ondansetron hydrochloride tablet- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2011 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fc3d39e0-8bf2-4c29-b872-66a1cf8bb2fb
Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.
Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
Table of content
Ask a free question
Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors