Ondansetron Tablets
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 group of medications called antiemetics.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not use it more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about 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 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?
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.
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.
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
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
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 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 should I watch for while using this medication?
Check with your care team right away if you have any sign of an allergic reaction.
