Zofran Helps to Treat the Following Conditions:

Chemotherapy-related Nausea and Vomiting

Cancer chemotherapy patients report nausea and vomiting among the most common unwanted side effects of the treatment. Side effects depend on many factors, such as dosage and the type of drug administered.

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are among the most common risks of anesthesia. These symptoms affect more than half of all post-surgery patients. Nausea and vomiting can be alleviated if patients are given anti-nausea medications prior to (or right after) surgical procedures. Ensuring proper hydration is also useful.

Zofran Active Ingredient

Generic Zofran Alternative: Ondansetron Hydrochloride

Zofran contains the active ingredient ondansetron, which blocks natural substances produced by the body which cause vomiting.

General Drug Information

What is Zofran and What Is It Used For?

Zofran is prescribed to patients who are recovering after surgery or are undergoing cancer chemotherapy. The medication helps to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Usage and Application

In chemotherapy patients, Zofran is administered intravenously. The medication is mixed in a solution and injected over a period of 15 minutes. The injection is normally started 30 minutes before the chemotherapy treatment.

The maximum single dose typically administered is 16 milligrams. Older adults are usually prescribed a lower dose. The injection should not be delivered faster or in greater doses than recommended to avoid the risk of serious side effects like blurred vision and an irregular heartbeat.

Patients are usually injected a 4mg dose. Depending on the type of chemotherapy, patients may be given a second dose of the medication four hours later. A third dose can be administered in another four hours. Zofran may also be given as a single oral dose.

Some physicians will prescribe Zofran for a day or two after chemotherapy sessions. Patients should follow the prescribed schedule in order to get the most benefit from treatment. It is not advised to take higher doses or use Zofran more often than prescribed.

Patients who are self-administering the drug need to learn all preparation and usage instructions in advance.

Zofran injections should always be clear and colorless. If medicine vials are stored upright after the first use, clumps may form on the top of the vial. Before administering the drug, patients should carefully check the vial for particles. In the event that particles are present, patients need to shake the vial well in order to dissolve them. If particles remain after shaking, the liquid should not be used.

Patients who use premixed bags should check for small leaks after removing the bag from the outer wrapper. To do so, patients should squeeze the container firmly. It is also important to perform a visual check for leaks, particles, or discoloration.

In the event these are present (or the container is damaged), patients should not use the liquid. It is important that patients learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

In patients who are recovering from surgery, a single dose of Zofran can be given as an injection into a muscle or vein. The medication can also be administered before the start of surgery or even during surgery. Dosage depends on the patient’s weight, medical condition, age, and response to treatment.

Considerations Before Taking Zofran

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Zofran or to other serotonin blockers such as granisetron.

Patients should mention their medical history, especially problems with an irregular heartbeat and liver disease. Stomach or intestinal problems like recent abdominal surgery, ileus, and swelling should also be reported.

Zofran may cause a condition known as QT prolongation, which affects heart rhythm. It manifests in a fast or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, and irregular heartbeat, which can be fatal in some rare cases.

The risk of developing QT prolongation increases in patients taking other medications that carry risk. Therefore, patients should alert their doctor about all drugs they are taking. It is important to discuss the existence of problems like heart failure, slow heartbeat, or instances of QT prolongation being observed in an electrocardiogram.

A family history of QT prolongation or sudden cardiac death should also be reported. The risk of QT prolongation is increased in people who have low levels of potassium or magnesium in their blood. This could be caused through the use of certain drugs such as diuretics or by conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea or vomiting.

Zofran may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. While taking this medication, patients should not drive, use machinery, or perform other tasks requiring clear vision or alertness until the effects of this medication are known. Limit alcoholic beverages and discuss marijuana use with your doctor.

Infants and older adults are more at risk of experiencing negative side effects related to Zofran use. Infants have a higher risk of experiencing diarrhea. Older adults may be more at risk of developing QT prolongation.

Pregnant women – or those planning on becoming pregnant – should discuss the risks and benefits of Zofran treatment with their doctor. The medication should only be used when clearly needed during pregnancy.

It is not known whether Zofran passes into breast milk.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

It is important that Zofran is administered before cancer chemotherapy. Patients who miss a dose should contact their doctor or pharmacist in order to establish a new dose schedule.

Those who regularly use Zofran and happen to miss a dose should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Do not double up on the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Zofran

Drug interactions may change the way Zofran works and can increase the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless advised to do so by their physician.

Certain medications like apomorphine, which is prescribed to patients with Parkinson’s disease, and tramadol, a pain reliever, may interact negatively with Zofran.

The anticonvulsants Dilantin and carbamazepine lower blood concentrations of Zofran. The same applies to the antibiotic Rifadin.

Many other drugs besides Zofran can increase the risk of developing QT prolongation. Examples include some antiarrhythmic drugs like dofetilide, quinidine, sotalol, amiodarone, and procainamide. Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin and pimozide (prescribed to patients with Tourette syndrome) can have a similar effect.

Patients should be aware that serotonin toxicity is a risk, especially if they are taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include certain antidepressants like fluoxetine, paroxetine, duloxetine, and venlafaxine.

The risk of serotonin toxicity is greater when patients first start treatment, or when dosage levels are increased. Street drugs like MDMA and “ecstasy” also increase serotonin levels.

Adverse Reactions

Many patients are able to take Zofran safely without serious side effects.

Some patients may experience a headache, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, and fever. It is possible to experience constipation, as well as redness and pain at injection sites. Patients should inform their doctor should these symptoms persist or worsen.

Serious side effects include stomach pain, muscle stiffness, and muscle spasms. Vision changes such as temporary loss of vision, blurred vision, and uncontrollable eye movements are additional possible side effects.

Patients should seek immediate medical help in the event of rare but serious side effects such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, and fainting.

In rare cases, Zofran may increase serotonin to an excessive level, causing a very serious condition known as serotonin toxicity. This risk increases in patients taking other drugs with a similar intention. Before starting Zofran treatment, patients need to discuss all medications they are already taking with their doctor.

Seek immediate medical help in the event of the following symptoms: fever, fast heartbeat, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms such as twitching muscles, agitation, and hallucinations are also caused for alarm.

Serious allergic reactions to Zofran are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Zofran

Patients should consult the product instructions and their pharmacist for storage details. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured down drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.

Zofran Coupon

Although Zofran coupons are available with other online pharmacies, customers will find that UDS prices are often much lower.