Brand names: Zofran ODT, Zofran
Zofran is used for the prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by radiation therapy and chemotherapy for cancer, and, in some cases, to prevent these problems following surgery.
To ensure the maximum effect, it is important to take all doses of Zofran exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will tell you how much drug to take and how often, depending on the type of therapy you will be having.
Zofran is available in three forms: an oral solution, tablets that you swallow with water, and orally disintegrating tablets that can be swallowed with saliva alone (Zofran ODT). If you're taking the orally disintegrating tablets, don't remove them from the blister pack until it's time for a dose. Then peel off the foil backing with dry hands, gently remove the tablet, and immediately place it on your tongue. Do not attempt to push the tablets through the foil.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Zofran.
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to ondansetron hydrochloride, you should not take Ondansetron hydrochloride. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.
If drugs similar to Zofran have given you a reaction, Zofran may cause one too.
If you suffer from phenylketonuria (an excess of the amino acid phenylalanine) remember that Zofran contains this substance.
No interactions with Zofran have been reported.
The effects of Zofran during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Zofran may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Ondansetron hydrochloride is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Ondansetron hydrochloride is finished.
Dosage is the same for both regular and orally disintegrating tablets. If you have poor liver function, you should take no more than 8 milligrams of Zofran per day.
PREVENTION OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING DUE TO CHEMOTHERAPY
Adults and Children 12 Years of Age and Older
The recommended dose of Zofran is one 8-milligram tablet or 2 teaspoonfuls of oral solution taken twice a day. The first dose should be taken 30 minutes before the start of treatment. The other dose should be taken 8 hours after the first dose. One 8-milligram tablet or 2 teaspoonfuls should be taken twice a day (every 12 hours) for 1 to 2 days after completing chemotherapy.
If the chemotherapy is especially likely to cause nausea and vomiting, the recommended dosage is one 24-milligram tablet taken 30 minutes before the treatment.
Children 4 through 11 Years of Age
The recommended dose of Zofran is one 4-milligram tablet or 1 teaspoonful of oral solution taken 3 times a day. The first dose should be taken 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy. The other 2 doses should be taken 4 and 8 hours after the first dose. One 4-milligram tablet or 1 teaspoonful should be taken 3 times a day (every 8 hours) for 1 to 2 days after completing chemotherapy.
PREVENTION OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING DUE TO RADIATION THERAPY
Adults
The usual dosage is one 8-milligram tablet or 2 teaspoonfuls of oral solution taken 3 times a day. You will take the first dose 1 to 2 hours before therapy; the other intervals will depend on the type of radiation therapy you are receiving.
Children
Zofran has not been used for this purpose in children.
PREVENTION OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING AFTER SURGERY
Adults
The usual dose is two 8-milligram tablets or 4 teaspoonfuls of oral solution taken 1 hour before undergoing anesthesia.
Children
Zofran has not been used for this purpose in children.
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.