Zofran

Pruritus, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Nausea + 8 more

Treatment

4 Active Studies for Zofran

Treatment for

Pruritus

What is Zofran

Ondansetron

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Ondansetron is a medication developed in the 1980s to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It is also used to treat anxiety and has been approved by the US FDA since 1991. It is available in the form of oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets and injections, and can also be found as generic products. Recently, orally soluble films have been developed which make taking the drug easier, especially when a person is vomiting.

Zofran

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Zofran Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Zofran

Ondansetron

1991

583

Effectiveness

How Zofran Affects Patients

Ondansetron is a medicine that blocks the serotonin 5-HT3 receptors in the body, which are responsible for causing nausea and vomiting. It has no effect on other serotonin receptors or dopamine receptors. Ondansetron can be given as an intravenous infusion, but a single dose of 8 mg orally is generally considered safe with minimal effects on the QTc interval. When taken over multiple days, it has been shown to slow down colonic transit. Ondansetron also does not affect plasma prolactin concentrations.

How Zofran works in the body

Ondansetron works by blocking the body's natural reaction to vomiting, which is triggered by serotonin. Serotonin is released when a person receives chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which causes the body to vomit. Ondansetron stops this reaction by blocking the serotonin receptor, 5-HT3. This prevents the body from sending the signal to vomit. It is not yet exactly known how Ondansetron works to prevent nausea and vomiting from opiates, but it likely works through similar pathways.

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended dosage of Zofran is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Uremia, radiation therapy induced nausea and vomiting and Pharmacotherapy. The quantity of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery specified in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Pharmacotherapy

3.2 mg/mL, , 2.0 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Film - Oral, Film, Injection - Intravenous, Sublingual, Troche, Troche - Sublingual, Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intramuscular

Nausea

3.2 mg/mL, , 2.0 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Film - Oral, Film, Injection - Intravenous, Sublingual, Troche, Troche - Sublingual, Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intramuscular

Uremia

3.2 mg/mL, , 2.0 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Film - Oral, Film, Injection - Intravenous, Sublingual, Troche, Troche - Sublingual, Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intramuscular

Pharmacotherapy

3.2 mg/mL, , 2.0 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Film - Oral, Film, Injection - Intravenous, Sublingual, Troche, Troche - Sublingual, Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intramuscular

Malignant Neoplasms

3.2 mg/mL, , 2.0 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Film - Oral, Film, Injection - Intravenous, Sublingual, Troche, Troche - Sublingual, Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intramuscular

Pruritus

3.2 mg/mL, , 2.0 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Film - Oral, Film, Injection - Intravenous, Sublingual, Troche, Troche - Sublingual, Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intramuscular

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

3.2 mg/mL, , 2.0 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Film - Oral, Film, Injection - Intravenous, Sublingual, Troche, Troche - Sublingual, Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intramuscular

Nausea

3.2 mg/mL, , 2.0 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Film - Oral, Film, Injection - Intravenous, Sublingual, Troche, Troche - Sublingual, Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intramuscular

radiation therapy induced nausea and vomiting

3.2 mg/mL, , 2.0 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Film - Oral, Film, Injection - Intravenous, Sublingual, Troche, Troche - Sublingual, Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intramuscular

Nausea

3.2 mg/mL, , 2.0 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Film - Oral, Film, Injection - Intravenous, Sublingual, Troche, Troche - Sublingual, Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intramuscular

Malignant Neoplasms

3.2 mg/mL, , 2.0 mg/mL, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 4.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL

, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Film, soluble, Film, soluble - Oral, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Film - Oral, Film, Injection - Intravenous, Sublingual, Troche, Troche - Sublingual, Intramuscular, Injection, solution - Intramuscular

Warnings

Zofran Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Zofran.

Common Zofran Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Amitriptyline

Major

The metabolism of Amitriptyline can be decreased when combined with Ondansetron.

Amoxapine

Major

The metabolism of Amoxapine can be decreased when combined with Ondansetron.

Anagrelide

Major

The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Ondansetron is combined with Anagrelide.

Apomorphine

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Ondansetron is combined with Apomorphine.

Arsenic trioxide

Major

The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Ondansetron is combined with Arsenic trioxide.

Zofran Toxicity & Overdose Risk

There is limited information on overdosing on ondansetron. However, some cases have reported sudden blindness, low blood pressure, or abnormal heart rhythm with large doses. It is also not recommended to take ondansetron while pregnant or while breastfeeding. Additionally, there is not enough information to recommend a dosage for children under the age of 3.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Zofran Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Zofran?

Two ongoing clinical trials are examining the potential of Zofran to reduce Nausea, Uremia and Radiation Therapy induced Nausea and Vomiting.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

0 Actively Recruiting

Nausea

0 Actively Recruiting

radiation therapy induced nausea and vomiting

0 Actively Recruiting

Malignant Neoplasms

0 Actively Recruiting

Nausea

3 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3

Nausea

0 Actively Recruiting

Pruritus

0 Actively Recruiting

Pharmacotherapy

0 Actively Recruiting

Uremia

0 Actively Recruiting

Pharmacotherapy

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Malignant Neoplasms

0 Actively Recruiting

Zofran Reviews: What are patients saying about Zofran?

5

Patient Review

12/28/2018

Zofran for Nausea and Vomiting

I'd rather have a headache than feel nauseous any day.

5

Patient Review

8/16/2022

Zofran for Nausea and Vomiting

The medication completely curbed my nausea and allowed me to eat again, which was amazing. I didn't have any issues with headaches, but other people have mentioned that as a potential side effect.

4.3

Patient Review

12/19/2016

Zofran for Nausea and Vomiting

Zofran is a great alternative to Phenergan for those who are looking for something that will still work quickly, but without the drowsiness. I did experience a headache once from it, but not every time.

4

Patient Review

4/10/2022

Zofran for Nausea and Vomiting

After getting sick from the Norovirus, this worked quickly and effectively. Just remember NOT to drink water whilst it dissolves under your tongue or you end up with a wicked headache. The relief is a godsend.

3.7

Patient Review

3/17/2019

Zofran for Nausea and Vomiting

This medication helped me a lot with the nausea and vomiting I was experiencing from my other pain medications. However, it did cause constipation as a side effect.

3.3

Patient Review

8/18/2021

Zofran for Nausea and Vomiting

It did help me keep fluids down but left me tired, dizzy and gave me a lingering headache. I don't think I will be taking it outside of emergencies.

3

Patient Review

8/15/2022

Zofran for Excessive Vomiting in Pregnancy

Although this medication is effective, it completely stopped my digestive tract. I had to have the ER disimpact my bowls and assist with a enema multiple times throughout using. It is IMPOSSIBLE to have a bowl movement while on this medicine. I decided a few months of not being able to use the bathroom was better than severe nausea and vomiting. Just be prepared to rely on enemas

2.7

Patient Review

5/19/2022

Zofran for Nausea and Vomiting

This medication made my migraines worse, increased my light sensitivity, and made the nausea linger. I also experienced fever and night sweats, as well as intensified stomach pains and constipation. It was prescribed to me despite the risks of negative interactions with my SSRI's, and sure enough, those side effects materialized.

2.7

Patient Review

11/11/2022

Zofran for Nausea and Vomiting

I was prescribed this for nausea caused by migraines. It did help with the nausea very quickly, but now I have one of the most intense migraines ever. If you get migraines often, maybe give it a try to see if you have the same reaction as me. But if it does cause intense migraines like this, stop taking it immediately.

2.7

Patient Review

10/25/2021

Zofran for Nausea and Vomiting

This didn't really work for me unfortunately.

2.3

Patient Review

7/29/2019

Zofran for Nausea and Vomiting

I was really hoping this would help with the nausea and lack of appetite caused by the antibiotics I had to take for an infection, but unfortunately it did nothing.

2

Patient Review

11/3/2022

Zofran for Prevent Nausea and Vomiting After Surgery

I had a really terrible experience with Zofran. I got headaches that were so severe, it made me nauseous afterwards. Never again!

1

Patient Review

12/28/2018

Zofran for Excessive Vomiting in Pregnancy

I experienced some mild side effects when I first started using this medication, but they were manageable. Unfortunately, the treatment stopped being effective after just a couple of days.

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about zofran

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Zofran an opioid?

"Zofran does not belong to the class of medications that are classified as narcotics. Instead, it belongs to a class of medications called 5-HT3 (serotonin) receptor antagonists."

Answered by AI

Who should not take Zofran?

"You should not use Zofran if you are allergic to it or to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), or palonosetron (Aloxi). Zofran may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU)."

Answered by AI

What is the drug Zofran used for?

"Ondansetron is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting. It is typically used in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery."

Answered by AI

Does Zofran make one sleepy?

"You may experience headaches, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fatigue, as well as constipation. If you have any of these symptoms, let your doctor know."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Zofran