Name: Ondansetron
Brand: Ondansetron
SKU: 282
Rating: 4.8 (4 reviews)

Ondansetron

Uses

Ondansetron is used for the treatment and prevention of vomitting and nausea for patients undergoing cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

How it Works

Ondansetron is known as a 5-HT3 blocker.Ondansetron works by inhibiting the actions of serotonin in the body, serotonin is responsible for triggering vomiting and nausea. Ondansetron is usually prescribed for use in patients undergoing cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, to prevent vomiting. Ondansetron is also used to prevent post surgery vomiting.

Common Side effects

Patients who take Ondansetron may suffer from such side effects;

Constipation,
Fatigue,
A dizzy sensation,
Constipation,
Headache,
Injection site allergic reaction,
Flushing,
Fever

Introduction

Ondansetron belongs to a class of drugs called anti-emetics, specifically, 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. It is indicated to prevent nausea and vomiting that are associated with cancer surgery, cancer drug treatment, and radiotherapy.

Use

It is usually prescribed to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a post-operative state. Serotonin is released by the enterochromaffin cells of the mucosa in response to drug therapy, surgery, or radiotherapy. Serotonin induces the emetic response by binding with the 5-HT3 receptors, which are blocked by Ondansetron

Dosage and administration

The drug is available as tablets of 4 mg, 8 mg, and 24 mg strengths. It is administered through the oral route. The recommended daily dose of this drug is 24 mg, to be given through 3 tablets of 8 mg each throughout the day. The medicine is given 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy, 1 to 2 hours before the start of radiotherapy, and 1 hour before starting a surgery. You may be advised not to take any food before the start of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery. This drug can be taken as 3 divided doses for 2 to 3 days after your cancer treatment. Remember to take the drug as prescribed by your doctor to get the most benefit.

Warning

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to this drug, any serotonin blockers, or to any other substances.
Inform the doctor about your medical history like any histories of liver disease, heart disease, any surgical histories, or any abdominal problems.
ECG changes (prolonged QT interval, electrolyte abnormalities like hypokalemia) have been noticed in patients receiving Ondansetron therapy. Hence, it is advised to regularly monitor your ECG. Such risks may further increase if you are using diuretics or have any kidney problems.
Do not take this drug if you are using apomorphine.
The development of serotonin syndrome has been reported in patients who have been kept on a long therapy of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. The symptoms of this syndrome include a change in the mental status like hallucination, delirium, or coma, dizziness, fluctuating blood pressure, hyperthermia, neuromuscular symptoms like tremors, myoclonic spasm, or gastrointestinal changes like diarrhea and vomiting.
It is also known to mask the ileus and gastric distension.
Do not take two doses at the same time if you miss to take a normal dose of the drug. This drug should not be swallowed with water, instead, it should be slowly allowed to dissolve under your tongue.
Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers are to use this medication only if it has been prescribed by the doctor.