Indications
Zofran is an antiemetic medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery, cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Its active ingredient is ondansetron hydrochloride.
Zofran can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly and is available in various dosages. It is considered effective and well-tolerated, although like all medications it may cause side effects in some individuals.
Use and Dosage
Zofran, which contains ondansetron, can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly by a healthcare professional at a hospital or clinic to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. The first dose is usually given 30 minutes before chemotherapy starts, with additional doses given 4 and 8 hours later if necessary. If ondansetron is being used for surgery, it will typically be given just before the procedure. In some cases, ondansetron may be given after surgery to treat nausea and vomiting if it was not given before the surgery. Zofran is available in syrup form for intravenous or intramuscular administration.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Zofran Injection (Ondansetron):
- Cold feeling
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Headache
- Injection site reactions (redness pain burning).
- Itching
- Lightheadedness
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Tiredness
Serious Side Effects of Zofran Injection (Ondansetron):
- Agitation
- Blurred vision or vision loss
- Chest pain
- Coma (loss of consciousness)
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
- Excessive sweating
- Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
- Hives
- Hoarseness
- Itching
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of coordination
- Muscle stiffness or spasm
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Rash
- Seizures
- Shortness of breath
- Stiff or twitching muscles
- Stomach pain
- Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Vision changes (e.g., Temporary loss of vision blurred vision uncontrollable eye movements)
Forms and Strength
Zofran Injection (Ondansetron) is available in the following forms and strength:
Zofran Injection: Syrup
- 4mg/2mL
Cautions
- Allergic reactions: Patients who have a known hypersensitivity to ondansetron or any of its ingredients should avoid using Zofran injection.
- QTc prolongation: Ondansetron can cause a dangerous prolongation of the QTc interval, which can lead to an irregular heartbeat or sudden cardiac death. Patients who have certain heart conditions, electrolyte abnormalities, or who are taking medications that can cause QTc prolongation should be closely monitored.
- Serotonin syndrome: Ondansetron may cause serotonin syndrome when used concomitantly with other serotonergic drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Symptoms may include agitation, hallucinations, coma, and death.
- Extrapyramidal reactions: The use of ondansetron has been associated with extrapyramidal reactions, such as dystonia, oculogyric crisis, and tremors. Patients should be monitored for signs of these reactions, especially after the first dose.
- Hepatotoxicity: Ondansetron has been associated with cases of liver failure, some of which have been fatal. Patients who have liver disease or who are taking other medications that can cause liver damage should be closely monitored.
- Obstetric anesthesia: The safety and efficacy of ondansetron injection have not been established for use in obstetric anesthesia. It should be used with caution in pregnant women, especially during the first trimester.
- Gastrointestinal obstruction: Ondansetron injection may mask some signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal obstruction or those suspected of having it.
- Renal impairment: The dosage of ondansetron should be reduced in patients with severe renal impairment. Caution should be exercised when administering ondansetron to patients with moderate or severe kidney impairment.
- Hepatic impairment: The dosage of ondansetron should be reduced in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Caution should be exercised when administering ondansetron to patients with moderate or severe liver impairment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How quickly does Zofran Injection work?
Zofran Injection usually starts working within 30 minutes of administration. The effects can last for up to 12 hours.
Is Zofran Injection addictive?
Zofran Injection is not considered addictive. It does not produce a "high" or euphoric effect and is not commonly abused.
Can Zofran Injection be used for motion sickness?
Zofran Injection is not approved for the treatment of motion sickness, although it may be used off-label for this purpose in some cases.
Do I need a prescription to get Zofran Injection?
Yes, Zofran Injection is a prescription medication and can only be obtained with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
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