What Is Ondansetron (Zofran)?

Ondansetron (Zofran) is a prescription medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting. It is primarily used to treat nausea and vomiting that occur due to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The medication is available in several forms, including as a liquid, orally disintegrating tablet, regular tablet, and intravenous solution. Tablets of ondansetron typically come in strengths of either four or eight milligrams. Patients on ondansetron should inform their doctor as soon as they can if they experience any unusual or worrying symptoms after taking it.

The major uses, side effects, precautions, details on dosages, and potential medication interactions associated with ondansetron are outlined below.

How It Works

Ondansetron was first developed in 1992, and it is classified as a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Other drugs in this category include apomorphine, palonosetron, dolasetron, alosetron, and granisetron. These medications work by blocking the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can trigger nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron is selective, and it only blocks a small portion of the normal activity of serotonin. When serotonin activity is reduced, patients are less likely to experience nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron only works if it is taken before surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Uncover the major uses of this medication next.