ONDANSETRON ORAL DISINTEGRATING TABLET (on-DANCE-eh-tron)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Zofran ODT

USES:
This medication is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy or after surgery. It works by blocking the hormone (serotonin) that causes vomiting.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
This medication is dissolved on top of the tongue. It is not meant to be chewed or swallowed like other tablet forms. Dry your hands before peeling back the foil to remove a tablet. Do not try to push the tablet through the foil. Immediately after removing the tablet from its blister pack, place the tablet on your tongue where it will dissolve in seconds. After it dissolves, swallow it with saliva. Drinking a liquid is not necessary. The first dose is usually taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy. Take further doses as directed, usually for 1-2 days after completion of chemotherapy. Other medical conditions and procedures require different dosing schedules. Follow your doctor’s orders carefully.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Diarrhea or constipation, headache, lightheadedness or drowsiness (uncommon), as well as blurred vision may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Very unlikely but report promptly any chest pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., distension) and of any allergies you may have. Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving) until you know how this medication affects you. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medicines you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE:
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
These tablets may be stored in or out of the refrigerator between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 and 30 degrees C).

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.