Ondansetron

For the Patient: Ondansetron

Other names: ZOFRAN®

• Ondansetron is a drug that is used to prevent or reduce nausea or vomiting caused

by cancer chemotherapy. It can be given by injection or taken by mouth.

• It is important to take ondansetron exactly as directed by your doctor. Make sure you
understand the directions. Ondansetron may be taken with food or on an empty
stomach with a glass of water.

• When taken by mouth ondansetron is usually taken about 30 minutes before

receiving chemotherapy. It may be continued every 12 hours after chemotherapy for
a certain period of time. The exact dose and how often you take it will be determined
by your doctor.

• If you miss a dose or vomit within 1 hour of taking ondansetron, take it as soon as
you can. Call your doctor (during office hours) to ask about when to take your next
dose.

• Store ondansetron tablets out of the reach of children, at room temperature, away
from heat, light and moisture.

• Other drugs may interact with ondansetron. Check with your doctor or pharmacist
before you start taking any new drugs.

• The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) does not appear to affect the safety or
usefulness of ondansetron.

Side effects are listed in the following table in the order in which they may occur. Tips to
help manage the side effects are included.

SIDE EFFECTS MANAGEMENT

Headaches may occur. These are usually Take acetaminophen (eg, TYLENOL®,
mild but may be severe. PANADOL®) to decrease or stop the
headache.
Constipation may be a problem. This is • To help constipation:
temporary and your bowel movements will • Exercise if you can.
return to normal a few days after you finish
• Drink plenty of fluids (8 cups a day).
taking ondansetron.
• Try ideas in Suggestions for Dealing with
Constipation.*
Dry mouth occurs in a small number of Try sucking on a hard, sour candy or
patients. some ice chips.

BC Cancer Agency Cancer Drug Manual® Page 1 of 2 Ondansetron

Revised: 1 May 2006, 1 March 2012
 Ondansetron

SIDE EFFECTS MANAGEMENT

Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation) Minimize your risk of abnormal heart rhythm
rarely occurs. by:
• always checking with your pharmacist and
doctor about drug interactions when
starting a new medication, herbal product,
or supplement
*Please ask your chemotherapy nurse or pharmacist for a copy.

CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONTINUE OR

BOTHER YOU:
• Uncontrolled nausea or vomiting
• Severe headache

REPORT ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS TO YOUR DOCTOR

BC Cancer Agency Cancer Drug Manual® Page 2 of 2 Ondansetron

Revised: 1 May 2006, 1 March 2012