Zofran 8mg vial

Generic Name: ondansetron (on DAN se tron)
Brand Names: Zofran

What is the most important information I should know about ondansetron?

Before taking ondansetron, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

What is ondansetron?

Ondansetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery or by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy or radiation).

Ondansetron may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking ondansetron?

Before taking ondansetron, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• a history of allergic reaction to any medicine; or

• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use ondansetron, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take ondansetron?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Ondansetron can be taken with or without food.

To take ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet (Zofran ODT):

• Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

• Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.

• Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

• Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Measure the liquid form of ondansetron with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of an ondansetron overdose may include sudden loss of vision, severe constipation, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking ondansetron?

What are the possible side effects of ondansetron?

• blurred vision or temporary blindness;

• fever;

• slow heart rate, trouble breathing;

• anxiety, agitation, shivering;

• feeling light-headed, fainting; or

• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• diarrhea or constipation;

• weakness or tired feeling;

• headache;

• dizziness or drowsiness;

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect ondansetron?

Before receiving ondansetron, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital (Luminal);

• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);

• tramadol (Ultram); or

• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use ondansetron, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect ondansetron. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about ondansetron written for health professionals that you may read.