Supportive Care
Brand names:
Zofran®
Other names:
Ondansetron Hydrochloride
Often used for:
treating nausea and vomiting
Ondansetron is medicine used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery.
Patients may differ in how slowly or quickly their body breaks down ondansetron due to the function of a certain enzyme called P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). A genetic test may be performed to see how a patient’s enzymes function. This medicine may not work well in patients who break down ondansetron faster than normal.
This medicine is typically given 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy.
May be taken as a tablet or dissolvable film or tablet by mouth
May be taken as a liquid by mouth
May be given as a liquid into a vein by IV or injection
Not all patients who take ondansetron will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.