November 21, 2009
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Drug Factsheets

 Health Home >> Related Medications 

Zofran

(ondansetron)

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

02213745 ZOFRAN 2MG/ML INJECTION
02239372 ZOFRAN ODT 4MG TABLET (ORALLY DISINTEGRATING)
02213567 ZOFRAN 4MG TABLET
02229639 ZOFRAN 4MG/5ML ORAL LIQUID
02239373 ZOFRAN ODT 8MG TABLET (ORALLY DISINTEGRATING)
02213575 ZOFRAN 8MG TABLET

How does Zofran work? What will it do for me?

Ondansetron belongs to the class of medications called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. This medication is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of cancer chemotherapy and radiation. It is also used to prevent and treat the nausea and vomiting that occurs after surgery. It works by reducing the effects of a naturally-occurring chemical in the body called serotonin, which causes nausea and vomiting.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Zofran?

The recommended dose is based on need and ranges from 8 mg to 32 mg daily given in divided doses.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the one given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a scheduled dose of this medication take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose for a missed one.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Zofran come in?

Injection
Each mL contains ondansetron 2 mg/mL (as hydrochloride dihydrate) for IV use. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid monohydrate, methyl- and propylparaben (vials only), sodium citrate, and sodium chloride.

Oral Solution
Each 5 mL contains ondansetron 4 mg (as hydrochloride dihydrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, sodium citrate dihydrate, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, and strawberry flavour. Sucrose-free. Sweetened with sorbitol.

Tablets
4 mg
Each oval-shaped, yellow film-coated tablet, engraved "4" on one face and "GLAXO" on the other, contains ondansetron 4 mg (as hydrochloride dihydrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, Opadry yellow or Opaspray yellow (containing titanium dioxide and iron oxide yellow) and pregelatinized starch. Gluten- and tartrazine-free.

8 mg
Each oval-shaped, yellow, film-coated tablet, engraved "8" on one face and "GLAXO" on the other, contains ondansetron 8 mg (as hydrochloride dihydrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, Opadry yellow or Opaspray yellow (containing titanium dioxide and iron oxide yellow) and pregelatinized starch. Gluten- and tartrazine-free.

Zofran® ODT

4 mg
Each white, round, plano-convex orally disintegrating tablet, with no markings on either side, contains ondansetron (base) 4 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, gelatin, mannitol, sodium methyl hydroxybenzoate, sodium propyl hydroxybenzoate, and strawberry flavour.

8 mg
Each white, round, plano-convex orally disintegrating tablet, with no markings on either side, contains ondansetron (base) 8 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, gelatin, mannitol, sodium methyl hydroxybenzoate, sodium propyl hydroxybenzoate, and strawberry flavour.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Zofran?

Ondansetron should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to ondansetron or to any ingredients of the medication.

Continued... 1 | 2 | Next


Did you find what you were looking for on our website? Please let us know.

Bookmark and Share
Tell us what you think!  Rate this article:           PoorFairGoodVery goodOutstanding
Ad

The contents of this site are for informational purposes only and are meant to be discussed with your physician or other qualified health care professional before being acted on. Never disregard any advice given to you by your doctor or other qualified health care professional. Always seek the advice of a physician or other licensed health care professional regarding any questions you have about your medical condition(s) and treatment(s). This site is not a substitute for medical advice.

© 1996 - 2009 MediResource Inc. - MediResource reaches millions of Canadians each year.