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Ondansetron

  • Ondansetron is available in tablet, melt tablet, syrup, suppository and injection form.
  • The melt tablet should be placed on your tongue and allowed to melt.
  • Ondansetron should start to work within 1 - 2 hours.

About ondansetron

Type of medicine 5HT3 antagonist
Used for Prevention of sickness after chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery
Also called Zofran
Ondemet
Available as Tablets, melt tablets
Syrup
Suppositories
Injection

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery cause the release of a chemical serotonin (5HT) in the stomach. This serotonin acts on receptors called 5HT3 and causes sickness. Ondansetron works by blocking these 5HT3 receptors and therefore stopping you from feeling or being sick.

Before taking ondansetron

Before taking ondansetron make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver problems.
  • If you have experienced blockage of the gut.
  • If you have an intolerance to some sugars.

How to take ondansetron

  • If you have been prescribed melt tablets, you should peel the foil backing off the blister pack rather than try to push the tablet through.
  • The melt tablet should be placed on your tongue and allowed to melt.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Ondansetron should start to work within 1 - 2 hours.
  • If you are sick within an hour of taking ondansetron tablet(s) and the tablet(s) come out, you may take the dose again.

Can ondansetron cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre, and drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer
Chest pain, fast or fluttery heartbeat Speak to your doctor
Feeling of warmth, flushing Keep rooms well ventilated
Hiccups Hold your breath
Drink a glass of water quickly
Pull hard on your tongue

How to store ondansetron

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1434		 DocRef:
dils2445		 Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008		 Version:
22






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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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