Ondansetron odt side effects: Ondansetron: MedlinePlus Drug Information

05.12.202209.06.2023 by alexxlab

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Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More

Highlights for ondansetron

Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet is available as a brand-name drug and as a generic drug. Brand name: Zofran ODT.
Ondansetron comes in three forms that you take by mouth: a tablet, a disintegrating tablet, and a solution. It’s also available in an intravenous (IV) form. This form is only given by a healthcare professional.
Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by certain medical treatments.

Serotonin syndrome warning: Ondansetron raises your risk of a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This syndrome occurs when the chemical serotonin builds up too much in your body. A high level of serotonin can cause agitation, delirium (confused thinking) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real). It can also cause sweating, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, tremor, seizures, jerky muscle movements, and coma. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. This condition can result from using ondansetron alone. However, it’s more likely to occur when you’re also taking another drug that affects serotonin levels.

Ondansetron is a prescription drug. It comes in three forms that you take by mouth: a tablet, a disintegrating tablet, and a solution. It’s also available in an intravenous (IV) form, which is only given by a healthcare professional.

Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet is available as the brand-name drug Zofran ODT. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name drug.

Ondansetron may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

Why it’s used

Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by certain medical treatments. These treatments include:

chemotherapy
radiation treatment
surgery

How it works

Ondansetron belongs to a class of drugs called antiemetics. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Antiemetics are drugs that reduce nausea and vomiting.

Ondansetron works by blocking the release of the chemical serotonin in the gut and the central nervous system. This keeps serotonin from causing nausea and vomiting.

Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet may cause drowsiness. It can also cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of ondansetron can include:

headache
diarrhea
constipation
dizziness
drowsiness

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

Serotonin syndrome. Symptoms can include:
- agitation
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- rapid heartbeat
- sweating
- feeling hot
- muscle rigidity (stiffness)
- tremor
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- coma

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with ondansetron are listed below.

Drugs you should not use with ondansetron

Do not take these drugs with ondansetron. Doing so can cause dangerous effects in your body. Examples of these drugs include:

Apomorphine. Taking this drug with ondansetron can cause your blood pressure to drop to unsafe levels. This can cause you to pass out.

Interactions that increase your risk of side effects from ondansetron

Taking ondansetron with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from ondansetron. This is because the amount of ondansetron in your body may be increased. Examples of these drugs include:

Other drugs that affect serotonin levels, such as fluoxetine and paroxetine.

Interactions that can make ondansetron less effective

Taking these drugs with ondansetron can make ondansetron less effective. This is because the amount of ondansetron in your body may be decreased. Examples of these drugs include:

Anti-seizure drugs, such as phenytoin or carbamazepine. Your doctor may switch you from ondansetron to a different drug if needed.
Tuberculosis drugs, such as rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine. Your doctor may switch you from ondansetron to a different drug if needed.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare professional about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

This drug comes with several warnings.

Allergy warning

Ondansetron can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

flushing
trouble breathing
swelling of your throat or tongue
dizziness
coughing

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with risk factors for heart arrhythmias: If you have conditions such as heart failure or congenital long QT syndrome, this drug may increase your risk of arrhythmias. Ask your doctor if you have risk factors for arrhythmias.

For people with phenylketonuria: The ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet contains phenylalanine. This amino acid can cause dangerous effects in people with a condition called phenylketonuria. Don’t take the orally disintegrating tablet if you have phenylketonuria.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how ondansetron might affect a fetus when the mother takes it. Research in animals has not shown a risk to the fetus. However, animal studies do not always predict the way humans would respond.

Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed.

For women who are breastfeeding: Ondansetron may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

For children: This medication has not been studied in children younger than 4 years. It should not be used in children of this age range.

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

your age
the condition being treated
how severe your condition is
other medical conditions you have
how you react to the first dose

Drug forms and strengths

Generic: Ondansetron

Form: orally disintegrating tablet
Strengths: 4 mg, 8 mg

Brand: Zofran ODT

Form: orally disintegrating tablet
Strengths: 4 mg, 8 mg
Dosage for prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

Typical dosage for chemotherapy that’s highly likely to cause nausea and vomiting: A single 24-mg dose given 30 minutes before chemotherapy.
Typical dosage for chemotherapy that’s somewhat likely to cause nausea and vomiting: 8 mg, 30 minutes before chemotherapy. Eight hours later, you can take another 8 mg. For 1–2 days after chemotherapy, you can take 8 mg twice per day.

Child dosage (ages 12–17 years)

Typical dosage for chemotherapy that’s somewhat likely to cause nausea and vomiting: 8 mg given 30 minutes before chemotherapy. Four and eight hours after the first dose, your child can take another 8 mg. For 1–2 days after chemotherapy, they can take 8 mg three times per day.

Child dosage (ages 4–11 years)

Typical dosage for chemotherapy that’s somewhat likely to cause nausea and vomiting: 4 mg given 30 minutes before chemotherapy. Four and eight hours after the first dose, your child can take another 4 mg. For 1–2 days after chemotherapy, your child can take 4 mg, three times per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–3 years)

It has not been confirmed that ondansetron is safe and effective for use in children younger than 4 years. It should not be used in children of this age range.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Dosage for prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by radiation treatment

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

Typical dosage: 8 mg starting 1–2 hours before radiation, followed by 8-mg doses every 8 hours after that first dose. Continue for 1 to 2 days after you complete radiation treatment. This dosage may vary depending on the type of radiation you receive.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

It has not been established that this drug is safe and effective for this use in children.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Dosage for prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by surgery

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

Typical dosage: 16 mg one hour before you receive anesthesia for surgery.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

It has not been established that this drug is safe and effective for this use in children.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Special dosage considerations

For people with liver disease: If you have severe liver disease, you should not take more than 8 mg of ondansetron per day.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet is used for short-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: You could have nausea and vomiting that’s not controlled.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

faintness
drowsiness
agitation
fast heartbeat
flushing (sudden reddening of the skin)
seizures

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

How to tell if the drug is working: You should not have nausea or vomiting. If you do, it should be less severe.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes ondansetron for you.

General

You can take ondansetron with or without food.
Take this drug at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.
Do not cut or crush the orally disintegrating tablets.

Storage

Store the orally disintegrating tablets at a temperature between 36°F and 86°F (2°C and 30°C).
Keep this drug away from light.
Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t harm your medication.
You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Self-management

When taking the orally disintegrating tablet out of its package, peel the foil back. Don’t try to push the tablet through the foil. This step will help keep the tablet from breaking.
Place the tablet on your tongue. Leave it there for a few seconds to allow it to dissolve, and then swallow. You don’t need to take the tablet with liquid.

Availability

Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Zofran Side Effects | Important Safety Information for Patients

Among the side effects from taking Zofran (ondansetron) are headaches, drowsiness, lightheadedness and constipation. In rare cases, the anti-nausea medication causes erratic heartbeats and potentially life-threatening high serotonin levels.

Common Zofran Side Effects

Zofran (ondansetron) is used to relieve nausea and vomiting regularly associated with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Doctors can also use it to prevent and treat post-surgical nausea and vomiting.

Providers often prescribe Zofran for nausea associated with pregnancy and morning sickness, but this is an off-label, or unapproved, use of the drug.

Common Zofran side effects include:

Headache
Constipation
Chills
Drowsiness
Tiredness
Weakness

These side effects are not serious unless they linger more than a few days. Zofran can also mask signs of a bowel obstruction in people who have just had abdominal surgery or those going through chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Even common side effects from the drug are rare, but you may feel sick to your stomach after taking Zofran. The medication blocks serotonin from entering certain cells of the nervous system in charge of the nausea reflex.

Severe Allergic Reactions to Ondansetron

Other serious reactions include long QT syndrome, a potentially deadly heart problem, and serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening combination of symptoms resulting from the overactive production or accumulation of serotonin. Although uncommon, ondansetron can cause severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis and bronchospasm.

One study from 2021 reported that an 82-year-old woman visited an emergency room with symptoms of vertigo, vomiting and general weakness. Attending physicians gave her IV ondansetron, and she developed acute respiratory distress and then cardiac arrest. She died soon thereafter. Probable cause listed for her death was the medication.

Abnormal Heart Rhythms

People who take Zofran can develop irregular heart rhythms. According to the medication’s label, reported arrhythmias include heartbeats that are too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or that are too fast and originate from the wrong part of the heart (ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia).

Some people reported atrial fibrillation, a rapid, quivering heartbeat. Providers also documented significant electrocardiogram changes, including second-degree heart block and QT interval prolongation, a serious abnormality and can lead to a potentially fatal arrhythmia known as torsades de pointes.

Arrhythmias can show an array of symptoms, including:

Skips in heartbeats
Fluttering sensations in the neck or chest
Fainting or near fainting
Pounding heartbeats
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Seizures
Sudden cardiac arrest (and sudden death)

Zofran’s label warns providers not to prescribe the drug to people who have had long QT syndrome since birth. It also advises doctors to monitor the hearts of people who are taking Zofran along with certain other medications that can also lead to QT prolongation, and those who have congestive heart failure, abnormally slow heartbeats and certain electrolyte abnormalities such as low potassium or low magnesium.

Serotonin Syndrome from Zofran

One of the risks of taking Zofran is the possibility of serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition caused by an excess of serotonin in the body. It has been reported in people who take Zofran, particularly if they also take antidepressants or other medications that increase serotonin levels.

A 2021 study reported serotonin syndrome was seen in people taking Zofran and any of three classes of antidepressant drugs that are high in serotonin. They are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

Ocular clonus (involuntary eye movement)
Hyperreflexia (twitching, spastic movements)
Agitation
Anxiety
Restlessness
Disorientation
Diaphoresis (excess sweating)
Hyperthermia
Tachycardia
Nausea
Vomiting
Tremors
Muscle rigidity
Dilated pupils
Dry mucus membranes
Flushed skin
Increased bowel sounds

In more severe cases, symptoms may include unresponsiveness, coma, seizures, irregular heartbeat and death.

Excessive amounts of serotonin cause an overstimulation of the central nervous system. Issues often arise in a post-anesthesia care unit or infusion center.

Taking Zofran During Pregnancy

Zofran is often prescribed to pregnant women who endure morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition that causes severe nausea, vomiting and weight loss. The medication is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for such use, and for years the risks were unclear.

Six cohort studies and two case-control studies show Zofran crosses the placental barrier, and early pregnancy use increased the risk of heart and orofacial defects.

Hundreds of women filed Zofran lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline, alleging the medication caused birth defects to their babies.

A large 2021 study of more than 450,000 pregnancies in three countries showed no association between ondansetron and an increased risk to newborns compared to other anti-nausea drugs. That includes stillbirths, congenital malformations and spontaneous abortions.

Zofran Side Effects

Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions.

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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Adult Medication

Provided by Lexicomp ^® , this document contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.

Trade names: USA

Zofran; Zuplenz [DSC]

Brand names: Canada

ACCEL-Ondansetron; APO-Ondansetron; ATHENA-Ondansetron ODT; AURO-Ondansetron; Auro-Ondansetron ODT; CCP-Ondansetron; JAMP Ondansetron; JAMP-Ondansetron; Mar-Ondansetron; MAR-Ondansetron ODT; MINT-Ondansetron; MINT-Ondansetron ODT; MYLAN-Ondansetron; NAT-Ondansetron; Ondansetron ODT; Ondissolve ODF; PMS-Ondansetron; PMS-Ondansetron ODT; SANDOZ Ondansetron; TEVA Ondansetron; VAN-Ondansetron [DSC]; Zofran ODT; Zofran [DSC]

What is this drug used for?

It is used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting.

What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?

If you have an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
Prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG.
while taking apomorphine.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interact with this drug is not exhaustive.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (both prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor’s advice.

What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?

Tell all your health care workers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
If you have phenylketonuria, talk to your doctor. Some foods contain phenylalanine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The benefits and risks for you and your child will need to be discussed.

What side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?

WARNING. In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly accompanied by fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
Obstruction of the urinary tract.
Dizziness.
Sudden pain or tightness in the chest.
A type of abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation) has happened with this drug. Sometimes it caused another type of heart rhythm disturbance (polymorphic ventricular tachycardia of the “pirouette” type). Call your doctor right away if you have tachycardia, irregular heartbeat, or fainting.
A severe and sometimes deadly complication called serotonin syndrome can occur. This risk may be increased if certain other drugs are taken at the same time. Call your doctor right away if you experience agitation, balance problems, confusion, hallucinations, high fever, tachycardia or abnormal heart rhythms, flushing, muscle twitching or stiffness, seizures, tremors or tremors, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, nausea or vomiting , a very severe headache.
This drug may make it difficult to detect signs of bowel obstruction after abdominal surgery, as well as nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy. If you experience abdominal pain or swelling in the abdomen, contact your doctor immediately.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Talk to your doctor or get medical help if these or any other side effects bother you or don’t go away:

Headache.
Feeling tired or weak.
Diarrhea or constipation.
Drowsiness.
Anxiety.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is the best way to take this drug?

Use this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

All oral preparations:

Take this drug with or without food.

Lozenge:

If the tablets are supplied in a foil blister, do not squeeze the foil tablet when opening it. The tablet should be removed from the foil with dry hands.
Open immediately before use.
Put the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. It is not necessary to drink water. Do not swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush the tablet.

Oral strips:

Open immediately before use.
Do not touch the preparation with wet hands.
Place the strip on your tongue and let it dissolve. It is not necessary to drink water. If more than 1 strip is used, it is necessary to wait until the previous strip is completely dissolved before using the next one.
Do not chew this medicine.
Do not swallow whole.
Wash your hands after use.

Liquid (solution):

Liquid doses should be measured with caution. Use the dispenser that comes with the medicine. If the dispenser is not provided in the package, ask the pharmacist for a dosing agent for this drug.

Injection:

For intravenous injections.
This drug can be given intramuscularly or by intravenous infusion over a period of time.

What if I miss a dose of a drug?

All oral preparations:

If you are taking the drug regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you can.
If it’s time for your next dose, don’t take the missed dose and then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take 2 doses or an additional dose at the same time.
In most cases, this drug is used as needed. Do not take the drug more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Injection:

See your doctor for further instructions.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

All oral preparations:

Store at room temperature, protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.

Oral strips:

Store in primary container.

Liquid (solution):

Store upright with cap closed.

Injection:

If you need to store this drug at home, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for storage conditions.

All forms:

Keep all medicines in a safe place. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about medicines

If your health does not improve or even worsens, see your doctor.
Do not give your medicine to anyone and do not take other people’s medicines.
Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. Check with your pharmacist. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

This summary information includes a summary of the diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a medical examination and assessment of the patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients should consult with their physician for full information about their health, medical issues, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding the use of medications. This information is not a guarantee that a treatment or drug is safe, effective, or approved for a particular patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its subsidiaries disclaim any warranties or liabilities related to this information or its use. The use of this information is subject to the Terms of Use found at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last revision date

2021-11-12

Copyright

Date last updated

Monday, December 12, 2022

Ondansetron: Pediatric Medication | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Pediatric Medicine

This document provided by Lexicomp ^® contains all the information you need to know about the drug, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when you should contact your healthcare provider.

Trade names: USA

Zofran; Zuplenz [DSC]

Trade names: Canada

What is this drug used for?

It is used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

If your child has an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and how it manifested itself in the child.
If your child has a prolonged QT interval on the ECG.
If your child is taking apomorphine.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interact with this drug is not exhaustive.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines your child is taking (prescription and over-the-counter, natural, and vitamins) and any health problems. You need to make sure that this drug is safe to use for your child’s illnesses and in combination with other drugs he or she is already taking. Do not start, stop taking, or change the dosage of any drug your child is taking without the doctor’s approval.

What do I need to know or do while my child is taking this drug?

Tell all health care providers who care for your child that your child is taking this drug. These are your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
If your child has phenylketonuria, talk to your doctor. Some foods contain phenylalanine.

If your daughter is pregnant or breastfeeding:

Consult physician if your daughter is pregnant, pregnant, or breastfeeding. The benefits and risks for your daughter and her baby will need to be discussed.

What side effects should I report to my child’s doctor right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Although rare, some people may have very serious and sometimes deadly side effects of this drug. Call your child’s doctor right away or get medical help if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that could be associated with a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly accompanied by fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
Obstruction of the urinary tract.
Dizziness.
Sudden pain or tightness in the chest.
A type of abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation) has happened with this drug. Sometimes it caused another type of heart rhythm disturbance (polymorphic ventricular tachycardia of the “pirouette” type). Call your doctor right away if your child has tachycardia, abnormal heart rhythms, or fainting.
A severe and sometimes deadly complication called serotonin syndrome can occur. This risk may be increased if the child is also taking certain other drugs. Call your child’s healthcare provider right away if your child has agitation, balance problems, confusion, hallucinations, high fever, tachycardia or abnormal heart rhythm, flushing, muscle twitching or stiffness, seizures, tremors or tremors, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, a very severe headache.
This drug may make it difficult to detect signs of bowel obstruction after abdominal surgery, as well as nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy. If your child has abdominal pain or swelling in the abdomen, see a doctor immediately.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any drug can cause side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Contact your child’s doctor or seek medical attention if any of these or other side effects bother your child or if they persist:

Headache.
Feeling tired or weak.
Diarrhea or constipation.
Drowsiness.
Anxiety.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, ask your child’s doctor. Talk to your child’s doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

What is the best way to give this drug?

Give this drug to your child as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

All oral preparations:

Give this drug with or without food.

Lozenge:

If the tablets are supplied in a foil blister, do not squeeze the foil tablet when opening it. The tablet should be removed from the foil with dry hands.
Open immediately before use.
Put the tablet on the child’s tongue and let it dissolve. It is not necessary to drink water. Make sure that the child does not swallow the drug whole. Make sure that the child does not chew, break or crush the tablet.

Liquid (solution):

Liquid doses should be measured with caution. Use the dispenser that comes with the medicine. If the dispenser is not provided in the package, ask the pharmacist for a dosing agent for this drug.

Oral strips:

Open immediately before use.
Do not touch the preparation with wet hands.
Place the strip on your tongue and let it dissolve. It is not necessary to drink water. If more than 1 strip is used, it is necessary to wait until the previous strip is completely dissolved before using the next one.
Do not allow the child to chew or swallow.
Wash your hands after use.

Injection:

For intravenous injections.
This drug can be given intramuscularly or by intravenous infusion over a period of time.

What if my child misses a dose of medication?

All oral preparations:

If the child takes the drug regularly, give him the missed dose as soon as you remember about it.
If it is time for your child to take the next dose, do not take the missed dose and then go back to your child’s normal schedule.
Do not give a double dose at the same time or additional doses.
In most cases, this drug is used as needed. Do not give your child the drug more often than prescribed by the doctor.

Injection:

Contact your child’s doctor to find out the next steps.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

All oral preparations:

Store at room temperature, protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.

Oral strips:

Store in primary container.

Liquid (solution):

Store upright with cap closed.

Injection:

If you need to store this drug at home, check with your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

All forms:

Keep all medicines in a safe place. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about medicines

If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not improve, or worsen, contact your child’s doctor.
Do not share your child’s medicine with others and do not give anyone else’s medicine to your child.
Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.