Ondansetron Tablet – The Info Guide

Ondansetron is one of the popular medicines prescribed to prevent some uneasy conditions like nausea and vomiting in people who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy due to cancer medication. Those who have gone through surgery or cancer treatment commonly experience nausea and vomiting during the medication course. An Ondansetron tablet is formulated for such patients to help them manage those anxious conditions. It has also been found to be effective in the treatment of gastroenteritis. Ondansetron is popularly known as  Zofran. Ondansetron HCL or hydrochloride is a type of antiemetic and receptor antagonist. This medicine may also be used for other conditions your healthcare provider determines. Ondansetron is available in 4 and 8 mg doses; the FDA approves Ondansetron medicine, which is considered largely safe.

The working mechanism of the Ondansetron tablet

Ondansetron belongs to a class of medications called serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the signals of vomiting, dizziness, and nausea to the brain. In other words, it is a form of antiemetic medication that works by blocking chemical messenger action in the brain. This natural substance may cause nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment or after surgery.

Certain substances are usually exposed to our bodies during chemotherapy or anesthesia and after radiation treatment. Ondansetron works like a specific receptor in the intestines (gut) and brain called 5-HT₃ that usually causes nausea and vomiting. The Ondansetron tablet works within half an hour to 2 hours after consumption. The medicine dissolves rapidly into the bloodstream, and patients can experience its effects within a few minutes.

How to administer the Ondansetron tablet?

Ondansetron 4 mg or Ondansetron 8 mg is a prescription medicine, and patients must follow all the directions provided on the prescription label. The dosage varies from patient to patient based on his/her health condition; the doctor decides the correct dosage. The first dose of an Ondansetron tablet is usually recommended before surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. This tablet is taken orally with a glass of water. You can take it before or after a meal.

Side effects of Ondansetron tablet

The ondansetron hcl tablet is largely safe to take under prescription. However, there are some possible side effects of the medication, including constipation, diarrhea, weakness, tiredness or fatigue, and headache. These side effects are not bothersome and get resolved after some time. However, some rare cases of serious side effects cannot be ignored; these side effects could be blurred vision, rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, sore throat, ankle pain, hoarseness, breathing shortness, chest pain, dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, irregular heartbeat, etc. In some cases, Ondansetron can cause poor blood flow to the heart, also known as myocardial ischemia, causing chest pain. You must consult a doctor if any of these side effects persist.

Precautions with Ondansetron tablet

• It is advised to tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Ondansetron, granisetron (Kytril), palonosetron (Aloxi, in Akynzeo), alosetron (Lotronex), dolasetron (Anzemet), or any other medications or ingredients in the ondansetron tablet.
• Tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome or liver disease before taking this medicine.
• Those who are taking apomorphine should tell their doctor before starting medication with Zofran generic and/or Ondansetron tablet. Also, inform your doctor about your family history if they has ever suffered from an irregular heartbeat, stroke, or heart attack.
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before taking the Ondansetron tablet.
• This medicine is not prescribed for children under four or for those who have not undergone chemotherapy.