Zofran
(ondansetron)
Helps prevent nausea and vomiting.
Our bottom line
Zofran (ondansetron) works well to prevent nausea and vomiting. It's available in different forms that you don't have to swallow in case you can't keep anything down.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (ondansetron)
Upsides
- Zofran (ondansetron) comes in many different forms that you don't have to swallow, such as a film that goes on the tongue or a dissolving pill.
- Zofran (ondansetron) is fast-acting and starts working within 30 minutes.
- Unlike some other nausea medicines, the side effects for Zofran (ondansetron) are relatively mild.
What to expect from Zofran, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
366Downsides
- Zofran (ondansetron) doesn't treat nausea and vomiting that's already happening. It only works to prevent future episodes.
- High doses of Zofran (ondansetron) can cause problems with heart rhythm if you're at risk.
- If you are also taking antidepressants, you are at higher risk of developing a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. Talk with your doctor about your risks.
What to expect from Zofran, on one page
Download Fact SheetZofran (ondansetron) is an anti-nausea medicine that works by blocking the activation of nerves that cause a nausea and vomiting response.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (ondansetron)
Used for
- Nausea and vomiting due to cancer medicines
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to radiation therapy and after surgery
- Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Disintegrating tablet
- Liquid
- Sublingual film
Prices and coupons
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What to expect when you take Zofran (ondansetron) for Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Heartbeat or rhythm changes
Side effect rates for Zofran (ondansetron)
- Headache9%9%5%5%
- Oxygen deficiency9%9%7%7%
- Fever8%8%6%6%
- Dizziness7%7%6%6%
- Gynecologic problems7%7%6%6%
- Anxiety6%6%5%5%
- Problems urinating5%5%3%3%
- Itching5%5%4%4%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Zofran.
People taking Zofran felt side effect more
People taking Zofran felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Zofran (ondansetron)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking antidepressants, lithium, or some migraine medicines with Zofran (ondansetron).
Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that's caused by too much serotonin in the brain. Risk of getting serotonin syndrome increases if you take Zofran (ondansetron) with other medications that also affect serotonin, such as antidepressants, lithium, migraine medicines, and St. John's wort. Symptoms include fast heartbeat, sweating, nausea/vomiting, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Go to the hospital right away if you have symptoms.
Common concerns from people taking Zofran (ondansetron)
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