ONDANSETRON

Ondansetron is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective 5-HT3-receptor antagonists. It blocks serotonin in the brain and nerves and this prevents vomiting in chemotherapy.

Uses

Ondansetron is used in the treatment of the following:

Nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy
Nausea and vomiting associated with radiation therapy

Warnings

Do not use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. This drug should not be concomitantly used with apomorphine.

Side Effects

Ondansetron can give rise to the following side effects:

Headache
Hiccups
Flushing or warmth sensation
Constipation
Rash
Urticaria
Seizures and movement disorders including extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g. dyskinesia, dystonia, oculogyric crisis)
Injection site reaction
Dizziness
Transient visual disturbances (blurred vision or very rarely, transient blindness)
Local burning sensation
Transient liver enzyme elevation
Anaphylaxis
Bradycardia
Tachycardia, arrhythmia
Chest pain
Hypotension
Transient ECG changes
Torsade de pointes

Precautions

Precautions

Take extra caution in the following conditions:

Progressive ileus and/or gastric distension
Severe liver disease
Pregnancy and lactation

Interactions

Ondansetron may interact with the following medicines:

Tramadol
Rifampicin and other CYP3A4 inducers
QT-prolonging agents (e.g. antiarrhythmics)
Cardiotoxic drugs (e.g. anthracyclines)
Apomorphine

Overdose & Brands

Symptoms of overdose include the following:

Severe constipation
Visual disturbances
Hypotension
Vasovagal episode w/ transient 2nd degree AV block

Seek medical help immediately

Available Brand:

Zofran