Zofran
Generic Name: ondansetron (on DAN se tron)

What is the most important information I should know about Zofran?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Zofran or to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), or palonosetron (Aloxi).
Before taking Zofran, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

Zofran orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

The serious side effects of this medication include blurred vision or temporary blindness, slow heart rate, trouble breathing, anxiety, agitation, shivering, feeling light-headed, or fainting, and urinating less than usual or not at all. Stop taking Zofran and call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects. Zofran can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What is Zofran?
Zofran blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Zofran is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery or by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy or radiation).

Zofran may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Zofran?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Zofran, to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), or palonosetron (Aloxi).
Before taking Zofran, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver disease;
a history of allergic reaction to any medicine; or

a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Zofran, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Zofran can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Zofran orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take Zofran?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Zofran can be taken with or without food.

Take the Zofran regular tablet with a full glass of water.
To take Zofran orally disintegrating tablet (Zofran ODT):

Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.

Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Measure the liquid form of Zofran with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Store Zofran at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of an Zofran overdose may include sudden loss of vision, severe constipation, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What other drugs will affect Zofran?
Before receiving Zofran, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital (Luminal);

carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);

tramadol (Ultram); or

rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Zofran, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Zofran. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has information about Zofran written for health professionals that you may read.