Have you ever had severe nausea and vomiting? We all know how uncomfortable it is. It is very common for someone undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery for cancer to experience this nausea and vomiting. So today we are going to talk about a very important medicine that doctors often recommend to control this discomfort. That is a medicine called Ondansetron. This medicine comes in the form of a dissolving tablet.
What is this medicine called Ondansetron?
Simply put, Ondansetron is a drug that prevents nausea and vomiting. In medical terms, it is an antiemetic, meaning it works against vomiting .
There are certain chemicals in our body (especially serotonin) that cause nausea and vomiting. This medicine works by stopping those chemicals from sending signals to the brain. It is like turning off the 'switch' that causes nausea. This can greatly reduce the discomfort caused by cancer treatment, radiation therapy or surgery. In Sri Lanka, this medicine is available under brand names such as `Zofran ODT`. However, it can be injected under other names.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
This is very important. Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, it is essential that you provide a complete description of your health condition. Especially if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell them about it.
- Heart disease: If you have any heart disease (for example, irregular heartbeat), you should tell your doctor about it.
- Liver disease: If you have impaired liver function, inform your doctor about it, as the liver plays a major role in eliminating medications from the body.
- Body salt levels: If you know that your blood potassium or magnesium levels are low, mention it.
- Allergies: If you have any allergies to this medicine, whether it is Ondansetron, another medicine called Granisetron, or any other medicine, food, or dye, you must tell us.
- Pregnancy or planning to have a baby: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, tell your doctor.
- If you are a nursing mother: Seek medical advice before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.
If you tell the doctor this information without hiding it, he can treat you in the safest way.
How exactly do I use this pill?
Since this is a pill that dissolves in the mouth, the method of use is a little different.
1. Keep your hands dry: Make sure your hands are not wet before taking the pill.
2. Take the tablet carefully: These tablets come in a foil. Never try to remove the tablet by pushing the foil. Doing so may cause the tablet to crumble. Carefully peel away a corner of the foil and remove the tablet.
3. Keep in mouth: Keep the tablet on your tongue. It will dissolve on its own in a few seconds.
4. Swallow: After the tablet has dissolved, swallow the saliva.
5. No water required: You don't need to drink water to take this pill. However, it's okay to drink a little water if you want.
If you give this medicine to small children
Children may require special care when giving this medicine. Therefore, ask your doctor for the exact dosage and method of giving this medicine to your child.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other drugs that may interact with Ondansetron (Drug Interactions)
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Ondansetron. This is called 'drug interactions'. This means that one drug affects the way another drug works. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Possible interactions with ondansetron | |
|---|---|
| Do not take Ondansetron with this medicine. | |
Apomorphine, Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine and some medicines for fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, ketoconazole) | |
| Problems can also occur with this medication (inform the doctor) | |
Carbamazepine, Fentanyl, Linezolid, Phenytoin, Rifampicin, Tramadol, Methylene blue (injection), MAOIs, some antidepressants, and other drugs that affect the heart rate (QT interval prolonging drugs). |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Side effects to be aware of when taking medication
Like any medicine, Ondansetron can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Restlessness, muscle stiffness or twitching, excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Bowel blockage | Stomach pain, inability to defecate or pass air, loss of appetite, vomiting. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Common side effects | Headache, constipation, diarrhea, malaise, and fatigue. |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store between 2 and 30 degrees Celsius (2°C - 30°C). Room temperature is usually sufficient.
- Discard any medicine left after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Ondansetron is a mouthwash that is used to control nausea and vomiting.
- Before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Carefully remove the tablet from the foil and place it on your tongue with dry hands. It will dissolve on its own.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, changes in heart rate, or high fever.
- If you miss a dose of medication, never take two doses at the same time.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else. If you have any questions about this medicine, always ask your doctor .
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