Ondansetron
Brand names
- Zofran
- Zofran ODT
- Zofran Oral Solution
Usage
To prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur after
surgery or after treatment
with anticancer medicine or
radiation.
How it works
Ondansetron interferes with
the chemical receptor sites
and nerve pathways involved
in the mechanisms that stimulate feelings of nausea and
that induce vomiting.
Side effects
- Serious
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, skin rash,
itching or
hives,
troubled breathing, tightness in chest, wheezing. Get
medical help immediately.
- Common
- Constipation or
diarrhea,
fever,
headache.
- Less common
- Abdominal pain, stomach cramps, dizziness or
lightheadedness, dry mouth, unusual
fatigue or weakness.
Possible interactions
- Other medicaments:
The following medicaments may increase the effects of ondansetron:
- allopurinol (Zyloprim).
- cimetidine (Tagamet).
- disulfiram (Antabuse).
- fluconazole (Diflucan).
- isoniazid (Nydrazid).
- macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, dirithromycin).
- metronidazole (Flagyl).
- monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor antidepressants (Nardil).
- ritonavir (Norvir) and perhaps other protease inhibitors.
The following medicaments may decrease the effects of ondansetron:
- Herbal medicines or minerals:
- Since St. John's wort may act to increase
serotonin, the combination is not advised. Since part of the way
ginseng works
may be as a MAO inhibitor, do not combine ginseng with ondansetron.
- Alcohol:
- Additive sedation and potential additive urge to vomit if
alcohol is taken
in large doses. Alcohol abuse that has led to liver problems may limit the
total dose that can be taken.
- Marijuana smoking:
- May induce additive sedation and provide additive
antiemetic effects.
- Discontinuation:
- Ondansetron may be stopped after you've completed the
prescribed course (usually 3 days) of therapy.
- Special storage instructions:
- Keep at room temperature. Avoid exposing this
medicine to extreme humidity.
Comments
|
