Ondansetron for nausea and vomiting

About ondansetron

Ondansetron is an anti-sickness medicine, also known as an antiemetic. It is a serotonin receptor antagonist. It is prescribed to stop you from feeling sick (nauseated). It works by blocking the effect of a naturally produced chemical in your body, called serotonin. Serotonin is also referred to as 5HT₃.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery can all cause the release of an increased amount of serotonin in your body. There are tiny areas in your small intestine and brain called 5HT₃ receptors. Serotonin acts on these receptors and causes you to feel sick. Ondansetron works by blocking serotonin from acting on the receptors, and this stops you from feeling sick or being sick (vomiting).

Before taking ondansetron

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking ondansetron it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have been told you have an irregular heartbeat.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take ondansetron

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about ondansetron, and it will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take ondansetron exactly as your doctor tells you to. The way you have been told to take it will depend upon the reason why you are taking it:

  • If you are due to have a chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment that could cause you to feel sick, your doctor will prescribe you a dose of ondansetron to take an hour or so before the treatment. You will then be asked to continue to take ondansetron for up to five more days - tablets and liquid medicine are usually prescribed to take twice daily (every 12 hours), whereas suppositories are inserted just once daily.

  • If you are being prescribed ondansetron because you are due to have surgery, you will be given a dose to take shortly before the operation.

  • Ondansetron can also be given by injection. If this is the treatment prescribed for you, a doctor or nurse will administer the injections to you.

• If you have been prescribed a melt-in-the-mouth (orodispersible) medicine, these are designed to dissolve very quickly in your mouth when you put them on the top of your tongue. It helps to have a few sips of water before taking your medicine so that your mouth is moist:

  • Zofran® Melt: take out a tablet from the packaging - the tablets are quite fragile so you need to peel off the foil rather than try to push the tablet through it. Place the tablet on the top of your tongue and allow it to dissolve there for a few moments before you swallow.

  • Setofilm®: slowly open the sachet at the tear tag, do not use scissors to cut it. Using dry fingers, remove the film from the sachet, taking care not to damage it. Place the film on your tongue where it should dissolve in a few seconds.

How to use ondansetron suppositories

1. Remove the suppository from the wrapping.

2. You may find that inserting the suppository is easier if you squat or bend forward.

3. Using a finger, gently push the suppository into your back passage (rectum).

4. Remove your finger and then remain still for a little while to help you hold the suppository in place.

5. Then, wash your hands.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Ondansetron should start to work within an hour or so. If you are taking tablets or liquid medicine and you are sick (vomiting) within one hour of taking a dose, you should take the same dose again. This does not apply, however, if you are using suppositories or if you have been given an injection, as being sick will not prevent these from being absorbed by your body.

• Even if you do not feel like eating or drinking, try to sip water regularly to prevent you from becoming lacking in fluids (dehydrated). Also, rather than trying to eat three main meals a day, try eating small, simple but nourishing snacks, every few hours.

Can ondansetron cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the more common ones associated with ondansetron. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store ondansetron

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines