What is ondansetron ODT?
Ondansetron ODT (generic Zofran ODT) is a prescription medication typically given to patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to prevent nausea and vomiting. ODT stands for orally disintegrating tablet. This is a slightly different method of administration than the film-coated tablet of ondansetron.
Looking for a way to help control nausea associated with your cancer treatment? Talk to your doctor about whether ondansetron ODT may be right for you.
What are common side effects of ondansetron ODT?
While adverse reactions to ondansetron ODT are uncommon, some patients who take the drug may experience mild side effects, including headache, constipation, weakness, tiredness, chills, and drowsiness.
Rare, more serious adverse events have also been known to occur, including irregular heartbeat. If you are concerned that ondansetron may be causing you to experience any number of adverse side effects, please contact your doctor or clinician.
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about additional side effects, please contact your provider directly.
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Ondansetron ODT (generic for Zofran ODT) is a prescription medication typically given to patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to prevent nausea and vomiting. ODT stands for orally disintegrating tablet. This is a slightly different method of administration than the film-coated tablet of ondansetron.
Ondansetron ODT is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. It is typically given before the therapy or operation to prevent feelings of nausea and vomiting from occurring. It is estimated that 70-80% of people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy will experience nausea or vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of anesthesia used in surgeries. When taken before surgery, ondansetron ODT can help reduce the risk of this side effect.
Ondansetron ODT is in the class of medications called serotonin 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists. It works on the body’s natural chemicals that are responsible for nausea.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy cause the release of serotonin 5-HT₃, a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that triggers the nerves that bring about the vomiting reflex. Serotonin 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist medication- such as Ondansetron ODT- blocks serotonin from reaching the nerves. This prevents feelings of nausea or the need to vomit.
While adverse reactions to ondansetron ODT are uncommon, some patients who take the drug may experience mild side effects, including:
If any of the side effects above are severe or do not go away, you should contact your doctor. Rare, more serious side effects may occur. If you experience any symptoms listed below, contact your doctor right away.
Because ondansetron can cause drowsiness and dizziness, especially when you first start taking it, it is advised to avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the drug may affect you. This is not a complete list of ondansetron’s side effects. For more information on advice effects associated with ondansetron, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.
Ondansetron ODT typically takes 30-60 minutes to work.
Because ondansetron ODT is an orally disintegrating tablet, it should be placed on the top of the tongue and dissolved with saliva, rather than swallowed whole.
Adults with cancer are typically given 24 mg 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy. Additional doses are sometimes given after the chemotherapy if needed.
For more moderate post-chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, 8 mg is given 30 minutes before starting cancer treatment. The 8 mg dose is taken again 8 hours after the first dose. Then, the dose is 8 mg every 12 hours for 1 to 2 days.
Patients undergoing radiotherapy are typically given 8 mg 1-2 hours before radiotherapy.
Patients undergoing surgery are typically given 16 mg 1 hour before receiving anesthesia.
Ondansetron ODT is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.
Looking for a prescription? Good news! Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you or order the medication to be delivered to your door for just $5. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not ondansetron ODT is right for you.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.
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Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your clinician.
