Zofran
Ondansetron
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Zofran
Zofran is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (blocker) drug. It acts by blocking a chemical thought to be a cause of nausea and vomiting in certain situations, especially in chemotherapy induced vomiting.
Therapeutic Uses of Zofran
Zofran is used for preventing and treatment of nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy (in cancer patients) or surgery. It may also be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Zofran
Use Zofran as directed by your doctor or as follows:
- Take a tablet of Zofran with a glassful of water.
- To reduce stomach irritation or stomach discomfort Zofran should be taken along with food or with antacids.
- If you have any question about how to take Zofran, ask your doctor or other health care provider.
If You Miss a Dose of Zofran
If you miss a dose of Zofran and are taking it regularly, you should take it as soon as you can remember it. If you miss for long time and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time to compensate fro the missed dose.
How to Store Zofran
Zofran should be stored at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and direct light, in a tight, light-resistant container. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zofran out of the reach of children.
More Information About Zofran
Zofran is to be used only by the patient (generally surgery or cancer patiets) for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people or use it for other medical conditions. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Zofran
Do not use Zofran if you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Zofran and consult your doctor or other health care provider right away if you are allergic to it.
Important notes on Zofran:
- Zofran may cause drowsiness or dizziness and these effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or with certain medicines. Zofran should be used with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks which require constant monitoring and attention like operating heavy machinery, until you know how you react to it.
- Zofran should be used very carefully in children younger than 4 months old as the safety and effectiveness of Zofran in children below 4 months have not been established.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: Zofran should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant, consult your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zofran during pregnancy. It is not known if Zofran is found in breast milk. If you are breast feeding or willing to breast feed your baby while you use Zofran, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby if you breast feed while taking Zofran.
Possible Adverse Effects of Zofran
- The common and minor side effects of Zofran are headache, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation, redness of skin, pain or burning at the site of injection (if Zofran is given by injection), tiredness etc. If any of these common and mild side effects become bothersome and persistent you should consult your doctor.
- Severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are rash; hives; itching; difficulty in breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); pain in the chest, fever, tingling or numbness in the skin, trouble urinating, vision changes or in severe cases vision loss are the severe and uncommon side effects of Zofran. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the severe side effects given here.