Zofran®, also known as Ondansetron is a medication to help with nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset. It comes as oral tablets that can be swallowed, “ODT” tablets are orally disintegrating and can be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve, there is also an oral film - Brand name Zuplenz - that dissolves when placed on the tongue that can be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve. There are also liquid formations as well as injectable solutions.

Refer to your medication bottle to know how often you should take Ondansetron. Do not take more than is recommended by your doctor. Corresponding doses of ondansetron tablets and ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets may be used interchangeably. You can take Zofran with or without food.

Do not attempt to push ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets through the foil backing. With clean and dry hands, PEEL BACK the foil backing of 1 blister and GENTLY remove the tablet. IMMEDIATELY place the ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet on top of the tongue where it will dissolve in seconds, then swallow with saliva. Administration with liquid is not necessary.

The most common side effects in patients taking Zofran are:

Constipation

Fatigue

Headache

Malaise

If constipation is persistent or headaches are severe, there are medications that can help. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations.

When taken with certain medications, Zofran can increase the risk of a change in heart rhythm called QT Prolongation. These medications include but are not limited to, certain chemotherapy drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs, some antidepressants, and some antipsychotics. Zofran can increase levels of Metformin in patients taking Metformin.

Zofran increases levels of a hormone called Serotonin. If you are taking other medications that increase levels of Serotonin such as antidepressants, lithium, fentanyl, or tramadol, among others, you should monitor for Serotonin Syndrome

Symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome may include the following combination of signs and symptoms: mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., fast heart rate or tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, with or without gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). If symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, discontinue ondansetron and contact a doctor immediately.

If you have questions or concerns about taking Zofran with a previously prescribed medication or over-the-counter medication or supplement, contact your pharmacist.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your primary care doctor to make sure it is okay to take Zofran.

Accidental ingestion of medicine, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose. Never give anyone else your prescription medication. Keep your medicine secure, out of sight and reach of children, and in a location not accessible by others, including visitors to your home.

To dispose of unwanted, unused or expired medications, contact your local police station or visit www.fda.gov/drugdisposal for information about drug-takeback programs.