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Ondansetron
Ondansetron is a prescription medication that is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. It 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 this drug, 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.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with ondansetron. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of ondansetron include:
- Headache
- Tiredness (fatigue) or a general ill feeling
- Constipation (see Zofran and Constipation)
- Decreased oxygen levels in the blood (seen in people taking ondansetron for nausea and vomiting after surgery).
(Click Side Effects of Ondansetron to learn about the specific side effects of this medication, including serious side effects to look out for. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD