Ondansetron Injection

What is this medication?

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 groupd of medications called antiemetics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zofran, Zofran in Dextrose, Zofran Solution

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
• History of irregular heartbeat
• Liver disease
• Low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood
• An unusual or allergic reaction to ondansetron, granisetron, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for infusion into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Apomorphine
• Certain medications for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Pimozide
• Thioridazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Carbamazepine
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• Fentanyl
• Linezolid
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Methylene blue (injected into a vein)
• Other medications that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm) like dofetilide, ziprasidone
• Phenytoin
• Rifampicin
• Tramadol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.