Zofran Injection

The active ingredient in Zofran Injection is ondansetron hydrochloride. Cancer treatments and general anesthesia may increase the release of serotonin, which can cause you to vomit. Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, so the mechanism of action is that it works by blocking serotonin from binding to 5-HT3 receptors. This blocks the effect of serotonin; therefore, through its pharmacology, it is an effective medication for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Zofran Injection. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Zofran Injection:

• The appropriate dose of ondansetron will depend on why you are taking it and your age. Your healthcare provider will know what dose is best for you and will administer it intravenously or intramuscularly. Usually, the first dose is given 30 minutes before chemotherapy.
• Zofran Injection can be used for adults and pediatrics (4 to 12 years old).
• Do not self-administer Zofran (ondansetron injection).
• Zofran Injection may be used as a single dose or multiple doses. Your healthcare provider will know what is best for you.

Some mild and common side effects of Zofran Injection seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Headache.
• Constipation.
• Feeling of warmth or flushing.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Drowsiness.
• Hiccups.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Zofran Injection. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Adverse events, such as an allergic reaction. Signs include hives, rash, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
• Heart problems, like an irregular heartbeat or chest pain.
• Heart rhythm problems, like dizziness, lightheadedness, palpitations, loss of consciousness, and fainting.
• Seizures.
• Eye problems, like blurred vision or temporary blindness.
• Serotonin syndrome. Signs include agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and mood changes.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Zofran Injection. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Zofran Injection, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Allergy to medications similar to Zofran Injection (ondansetron), like granisetron or dolasetron.
• Liver disease.
• History of heart problems.
• Electrolyte abnormalities, such as low potassium or magnesium.
• Heart rhythm disorders, like long QT syndrome and Torsade de Pointes. Zofran ODT may prolong the QT interval and cause QT prolongation.

• Allergy to any ingredients in Zofran Injection.
• Concomitant use of apomorphine, a medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

The pharmacokinetics of Zofran Injection are that it starts working within 30 minutes to treat emesis, and it has a half-life of 3 to 4 hours.

When Zofran Injection is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Opioids, like tramadol.
• Drugs that are used to treat heart rhythm disorders.
• Drugs that affect serotonin (serotonergic drugs). These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), triptan medications, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), linezolid, methylene blue, drugs that contain tryptophan, and St. John’s Wort. This results in an increased risk of serotonin syndrome..
• Antipsychotics or antidepressants.
• Antibiotics or antifungals.
• Drugs that are used to treat asthma.
• Diuretics.
• Drugs affecting CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes.

Zofran Injection is available in a strength of 2 mg/mL.

Other dosage forms of Zofran include an oral tablet, oral dissolving tablet, and an oral solution.

Your healthcare provider will administer Zofran Injection; you will not need to store it.

Novartis manufactures Zofran Injection.

Yes, there are generic versions of Zofran Injection available.

Your healthcare provider will administer Zofran Injection. Do not self-administer.

Studies have shown that the use of ondansetron does not increase the chance of birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse reactions. It is likely compatible in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Studies are limited for ondansetron use while breastfeeding. Currently, side effects in breastfeeding infants have not been reported. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.