Zofran ODT (Ondansetron ODT)

What is Zofran ODT?

Zofran (ondansetron) is a selective blocking agent of the serotonin 5-HT₃ receptor type.

What is Zofran ODT used for?

Zofran is indicated for the prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by surgery and cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiation).

How does Zofran ODT work?

Zofran works by blocking serotonin (body’s natural substances) that causes nausea and vomiting.

How to use Zofran ODT

Zofran should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

Zofran is usually taken within 30 minutes before the start of the treatment, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. It is advisable that you take the medicine 1 or 2 hours before radiation treatment begins, in order to prevent nausea. Take Zofran 1 hour before the start of surgery, to prevent nausea.

If you are taking the liquid form of the medicine, do not use a regular tablespoon or teaspoon to measure the dose. Measure it with a special dose measuring device.

Before using the orally disintegrating tablets or Zofran ODT, wash and dry your hands. Remove the tablet carefully from the pack. Place it on your tongue and it will soon begin to dissolve. Do not chew the tablet. You may drink a glass of water after the tablet dissolves completely. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Zofran ODT warnings and precautions

Do not take this drug if you are allergic to ondansetron, granisetron (Kytril), dolasetron (Anzemet), or palonosetron (Aloxi).

Prior to taking the medicine, tell your doctor if you have a liver disease, or a personal/family history of Long QT syndrome.

While using Zofran, avoid performing activities that require alertness (e.g., driving).

Although Zofran is not likely to cause harm to an unborn baby, pregnant women should consult their doctors before starting to take the medicine. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance about the use of this drug. It is not known if the drug passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Therefore, lactating women should not take this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Zofran ODT dose?

If you have missed your Zofran dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose. An extra dose to cover up the missed one is not recommended.

What do I do if I have taken a Zofran ODT overdose?

If you have taken a Zofran overdose you might experience severe constipation, sudden loss of vision, or fainting. In such cases, you should seek medical help as soon as the overdose symptoms start appearing.

Zofran ODT interactions

Before using Zofran, consult your doctor if you take phenobarbital (Luminal), phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol), rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifater), tramadol (Ultram).

Zofran ODT side effects

Zofran side effects include hives, breathing trouble, slow heart rate, decreased frequency or amount of urination, anxiety, shivering, agitation loss of consciousness (or feeling that you might lose consciousness), blurred vision or temporary vision loss for a few minutes, swelling, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, fever, headache, fatigue and constipation are some less serious side effects from Zofran.