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Common uses
Zofran is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery or by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy or radiation).
Zofran may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Before using
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ondansetron, to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), or palonosetron (Aloxi).
Before taking Zofran, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
• liver disease;
• a history of allergic reaction to any medicine; or
• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Zofran.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Zofran can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Zofran orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Directions
This medication may be taken with or without food. It may also be taken with antacids. The first dose is usually taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy. Take further doses as directed, usually for 1-2 days after completion of chemotherapy. Other medical conditions and procedures require different dosing schedules. Follow your doctor's orders carefully.
Cautions
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ondansetron or to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), or palonosetron (Aloxi).
Before taking Zofran, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.
Zofran orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Possible side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
• Headache
• Constipation
• Flushing
• Hiccups
• Allergy to active ingredient (hypersensitivity)
• Involuntary movements
• Alteration in results of liver function tests
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Chest pain
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)
• Seizures
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
If you take too much
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include sudden loss of vision, severe constipation, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
Additional information
The serious side effects of this medication include blurred vision or temporary blindness, slow heart rate, trouble breathing, anxiety, agitation, shivering, feeling light-headed, or fainting, and urinating less than usual or not at all. Stop taking Zofran and call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects. Zofran can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Drug interactions
Before receiving Zofran, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
• phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital (Luminal);
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);
• tramadol (Ultram); or
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Zofran. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
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