How does this medicine work?
Ondansetron (on-dan-se-tron) is a medicine used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting with chemotherapy and after surgery.
How is it given?
Odansetron may be given by mouth as a liquid, pill, or tablet; or in a vein (IV). It may be given in one of these ways:
- as needed
- at regular times
- continuously through an IV
Your child should be awake and alert when taking any medicine by mouth. Follow the checked instructions below:
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- If using the liquid form, draw up the correct amount in the medicine dropper or oral syringe. Give a small squirt of the medicine inside the cheek. To avoid choking, let your child swallow each squirt before giving more.
- For babies, you may want to mix the medicine with a small amount of formula or breast milk and give it with a bottle nipple before feeding. Do not add the medicine to a whole bottle because if your baby does not finish it, you will not know how much of the medicine was taken.
- For older children who cannot swallow pills, a special tablet called Zofran ODT (oral disintegrating tablet) is available.Place it under the tongue and it will dissolve.
Other instructions:
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Are there any precautions about food or other medicines?
This medicine may be given with or without food.
Check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.
What should I do if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you remember. Never give a double dose.
If your child vomits a regular dose (not of the ODT type) within 30 minutes after receiving it, give it again. If your child vomits the second dose, do not repeat it again. If your child vomits an ODT dose, do not repeat it. Zofran ODT is absorbed into the body right away.
If your child misses or vomits two doses in a row, please call the clinic.
What are the side effects?
Common
- headache
- constipation
Occasional
- fatigue
- change in liver tests (with long-term use)
- diarrhea
- feeling dizzy