Ondansetron
About Ondansetron
Ondansetron belongs to a group of medications called ' antiemetics,' primarily used in the prevention of vomiting (being sick) and nausea (feeling sick) that usually occur after cancer chemotherapy, radiation treatment, or surgery. Nausea is an uneasy feeling in which a person feels an urge to vomit, while vomiting is the natural response of the body to expel the stomach contents from the mouth forcefully.
Ondansetron contains Ondanestron, which works by blocking the action of a chemical in the body (serotonin) responsible for causing nausea and vomiting. As a result, Ondansetron prevents the sensation of nausea and vomiting caused by conditions like surgery, cancer chemotherapy, pregnancy, or motion sickness.
Take Ondansetron exactly as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take Ondansetron based on your medical condition. You may experience common side effects such as constipation, headache, diarrhea, drowsiness, flushing (a feeling of warmth), weakness, and tiredness. However, not every person experiences these side effects, and some of the unpleasant effects of Ondansetron do not require medical attention. If the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Before using Ondansetron, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Do not use Ondansetron if you are taking apomorphine (a medicine used to treat Parkinson's disease), as it may cause a sharp drop in blood pressure and even fainting. Inform your doctor before using Ondansetron if you have any medical conditions, such as severe constipation, bowel obstruction, depression, electrolyte imbalance, irregular heartbeat, liver problems, or a history of tonsils or adenoid removal surgery. Ondansetron should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only if prescribed by a doctor.
Uses of Ondansetron
• Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Ondansetron is frequently prescribed to alleviate nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy treatments.
• Radiation Therapy Support: Ondansetron can help manage nausea and vomiting experienced by patients undergoing radiation therapy, improving treatment tolerance.
• Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Relief: Many patients experience nausea or vomiting after surgical procedures, and Ondansetron is effective in controlling and reducing these symptoms.
Medicinal Benefits
Ondansetron is an anti-emetic medication primarily used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting associated with conditions such as cancer chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and surgery. When serotonin levels increase in the blood, it stimulates the CTZ receptor (chemoreceptor trigger zone) located in the brain responsible for controlling nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron contains Ondansetron, which works by inhibiting the release of serotonin, thereby preventing nausea and vomiting.
Directions for Use
- Ondansetron can be taken with or without food, as advised by the doctor.
- Typically, it is taken twice daily. However, follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow the tablet as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
Storage
Side Effects of Ondansetron
- Constipation
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Drowsiness
- Flushing (a feeling of warmth)
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Tiredness
Drug Warnings
Do not use Ondansetron if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Avoid using Ondansetron if you are taking apomorphine (a medicine used to treat Parkinson's disease), as it may cause a sharp drop in blood pressure and even fainting. Inform your doctor before using Ondansetron if you have any medical conditions, such as severe constipation, bowel obstruction, depression, electrolyte imbalance, heart or blood vessel problems (such as irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure), diabetes, liver problems, or a history of tonsils or adenoid removal surgery. Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications for depression, as using them alongside Ondansetron may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Ondansetron is not recommended for use during early pregnancy (first trimester), as it may increase the risk of birth defects in the mouth and face of the baby. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Ondansetron, as small amounts of the medicine may pass into breast milk. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Ondansetron, as it may worsen the side effects like drowsiness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Ondansetron may interact with certain medications, such as anti-parkinsonian medicines (apomorphine), anti-seizure drugs (phenytoin, carbamazepine), antibiotics (rifampicin, erythromycin), antifungals (ketoconazole), medications that can affect the heart (methadone, haloperidol), anticancer drugs (trastuzumab), antidepressants (paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram, duloxetine, venlafaxine), and painkillers (acetaminophen, tramadol, ibuprofen).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions were found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Ondansetron should be used with caution in certain medical conditions, such as severe constipation, bowel obstruction, depression, electrolyte imbalance, heart or blood vessel problems (such as irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure), diabetes, liver problems, or a history of tonsils or adenoid removal surgery.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol has no known direct interaction with Ondansetron. However, it is advisable to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Ondansetron, as it may worsen the side effects like drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionOndansetron should be used during pregnancy only if prescribed by a doctor. It is generally not recommended for use during early pregnancy (first trimester), as it may increase the risk of birth defects in the mouth and face of the baby.
Breast Feeding
cautionAvoid breastfeeding while taking Ondansetron, as small amounts of the medicine may pass into breast milk.
Driving
cautionOndansetron does not affect your ability to drive. However, if you experience drowsiness or blurred vision after taking Ondansetron, avoid driving or operating any heavy machinery.
Liver
cautionIn individuals with liver problems, the use of Ondansetron is allowed if prescribed by a doctor. However, patients with severe liver impairment should take a low dose of Ondansetron as much as possible. Do not take more than 8 mg of Ondansetron per day in case of liver disease.
Kidney
safe if prescribedThe use of Ondansetron is considered safe in patients with kidney disorders. No dose adjustment is required.
Children
safe if prescribedOndansetron should not be given to children below 4 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group. The use of Ondansetron is safe in children above 4 years of age if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat small meals throughout the day and eat slowly to help digestion.
- If you are sensitive to food smells, try eating cold or room-temperature foods instead of hot ones.
- Avoid acidic foods or drinks like orange or grapefruit juice.
- After your meals, rest with your head elevated about 12 inches above your head.
- Drink liquids or water between meals rather than during meals.
- Eat when you are least nauseated to help prevent discomfort.
- Avoid consuming greasy or oily foods, as these foods can trigger nausea and vomiting.
- Include clear broths, non-fat yoghurt, fruit juice, sherbet, and sports drinks for fluid makeup that has been lost due to vomiting.
Special Advise
- Regularly monitor your serum electrolytes (such as magnesium or potassium levels in the blood) while taking Ondansetron.
- Ondansetron may contain phenylalanine, so if you have Phenylketonuria (too much of the protein phenylalanine in the blood), avoid its intake.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea is an uneasy feeling in the stomach that may come and go in waves, in which a person feels a strong urge to vomit. It happens before vomiting. While vomiting is a natural response of the body, in which a person wants to expel stomach contents from the mouth forcefully. It can be triggered by taste, anxiety, smell, pain, or stomach irritation. Usually, a person faces nausea and vomiting as the unpleasant effects of cancer therapy after chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It is essential to control vomiting and nausea in cancer patients to perform everyday activities of the day. If not controlled, it can lead to mental changes, loss of appetite, malnutrition, and dehydration.
FAQs
Ondansetron is used in the prevention of vomiting and nausea that usually occur after cancer chemotherapy, radiation treatment, or surgery.
Ondansetron contains Ondanestron, which works by blocking the action of a chemical in the body (serotonin) responsible for causing nausea and vomiting.
Ondansetron may cause drowsiness and changes in vision, so avoid driving or operating any machines that require mental alertness.
People with an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), and phenylketonuria (too much of the protein phenylalanine in the blood) should not take Ondansetron as it may cause serious conditions. The liver patient should not take more than 8 mg of Ondansetron daily. Taking Ondansetron with apomorphine can cause a sharp dip in blood pressure, even leading to death, so avoid its intake together.
Ondansetron contains Ondansetron, an antiemetic drug, used in the prevention of vomiting and nausea.
Ondansetron is ineffective in preventing nausea associated with motion sickness.
Before taking Ondansetron, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Ondansetron usually works quickly, usually within 30 minutes, but it can take up to two hours for the full effect.
Common side effects of Ondansetron may include constipation, headache, diarrhea, drowsiness, flushing (a feeling of warmth), weakness, and tiredness. However, not every person experiences these side effects, and some of the unpleasant effects of Ondansetron do not require medical attention. If the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Ondansetron was not found to be beneficial in the treatment of seasickness.
Ondansetron works by blocking the action of a chemical in the body (serotonin) that is responsible for causing nausea and vomiting. As a result, Ondansetron prevents the sensation of nausea and vomiting caused by conditions like surgery, cancer chemotherapy, pregnancy, or motion sickness.
Yes, you can take Ondansetron half an hour to 1 hour before meals.
If you forget to take a dose of Ondansetron, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you take more than the recommended dose of Ondansetron, it may result in an overdose. Signs and symptoms of an overdose of Ondansetron may include constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, irregular heartbeat, and sudden loss of vision for a short time. Seek immediate medical attention if you observe any symptoms or think you have taken too much. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
No, Ondansetron is not a steroid. Ondansetron belongs to a class of drugs known as antiemetics.
While specific dosing instructions will vary depending on your individual needs and medical history. Always follow your doctor's prescribed dosage and timing for taking these medications.
Take Ondansetron exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Take it at the same time daily, as it will help you to remember taking the medication.
Yes, Ondansetron can be given during pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor. However, it is not recommended for use during early pregnancy (first trimester), as it may increase the risk of birth defects in the mouth and face of the baby.
