Ondansetron/Summary

Summary sheet: Ondansetron/Summary

Ondansetron, sold under the brand name Zofran among others, is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting normally caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, however it's ineffective in treating vomiting caused by motion sickness. It's also effective for treating gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, stomach, and small intestine. It is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and does not have any effect on dopamine or muscarinic receptors. It can be taken by mouth or by injection into a muscle or vein.

Common side effects include diarrhea, constipation, headache, sleepiness, and itchiness. Serious side effects included QT prolongation and severe allergic reaction. It appears to be safe during pregnancy but this has not been studied well.