ONDANSETRON (on DAN se tron) prevents nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. It works by blocking substances in the body that may cause nausea or vomiting. It belongs to a group of medications called antiemetics.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Heart disease
Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
Liver disease
Low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood
An unusual or allergic reaction to ondansetron, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You do not need water to take this medication. Leave the tablet in the sealed pack until you are ready to take it. With dry hands, open the pack and gently remove the tablet. Place the tablet in the mouth and allow it to dissolve. Then, swallow it.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Apomorphine
Certain medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole
Cisapride
Dronedarone
Levoketoconazole
Pimozide
Quinidine
Thioridazine
This medication may also interact with the following:
Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
Certain medications for migraines, such as sumatriptan
Linezolid
Methylene blue
Opioids
Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes, such as dofetilide or ziprasidone
St. John's wort
Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying awake
Tryptophan
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting
Chest pain (angina)—pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms
Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Constipation
Diarrhea
General discomfort and fatigue
Headache
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Check with your care team as soon as you can if you have any sign of an allergic reaction.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
