Ondansetron
Ondansetron is a prescription medication that is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Ondansetron comes in a number of forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, a flavored liquid, and an intravenous form. Ondansetron works by blocking serotonin, a chemical produced by the body that is related to nausea and vomiting. As with any medication, there can be some side effects with ondansetron, such as headaches, fatigue, and constipation.
Ondansetron hydrochloride (
Zofran®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to prevent nausea and vomiting due to several causes.
Ondansetron is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
What Is Ondansetron Used For?
Uses of ondansetron include:
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to radiation therapy for cancer
- Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting that can occur after surgery.
Ondansetron is not intended to treat nausea or vomiting that is already occurring.
How Does Ondansetron Work?
Nausea (upset stomach) and vomiting are complex processes involving many chemicals in the body and several parts of the body, including the brain and the small intestine. It is likely that ondansetron works in the small intestine, but ondansetron may also work in the brain. Ondansetron works by blocking serotonin, a chemical produced by the body that is associated with nausea and vomiting. Serotonin has many effects in the body and has several receptors where it can bind. Ondansetron blocks serotonin at a specific type of receptor (the 5-HT3 receptor).
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