ZOFRAN (ONDANSETRON)

Zofran Description

Zofran is an antiemetic prescription drug that is prescribed to prevent nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy, surgery, and cancer medications or procedures. This is important for any surgeries that involve the upper part of your body as the exertion of vomiting may result in stress or strain on the surgical site or sutures, or any operations that require you to be immobile.

Taking Zofran before your cancer medicine or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation can help you recuperate faster from the treatments. Your doctor or oncologist may recommend a Zofran injection to help you through your treatment and follow it up with oral Zofran for the days following.

How Zofran Blocks Signals to Your Vomit Center

When taken as directed Zofran or generic Ondansetron blocks the release of serotonin. This is a natural body chemical that is signaled as the cancer treatments (radiation or chemotherapy) are given. By stopping serotonin from attaching to nerves, the vomiting center in your brain will not receive any messages from the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) so nausea and vomiting can be averted. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Zofran

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in any patient is not something that can be foretold but there are risk factors that may be taken into consideration before undergoing any surgical procedures. If you are experiencing anxiety about the surgery you are about to have, your age and gender, and a previous history of nausea and vomiting following surgery could all be indicators that you are more prone to become nauseous after surgery.

In addition of harm to the surgical site that may be caused by post-op vomiting, there is also a risk of aspirating on your vomit if you are not ambulatory enough to be able to sit up when you vomit. Aspiration pneumonia can be caused as a result of food, saliva, or vomit being breathed into your lungs or airways if you vomit while lying on your back because you are unable to be upright or lean over.

Before You Take Zofran

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding before taking Zofran so it can be decided if any harm will come to your unborn or nursing baby. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies you have and provide a list of current over the counter or Rx medications you take, including herbal remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements. Taking Zofran with certain drugs could cause unintended or serious side effects.

Zofran Precautions

Until you know how Zofran will affect you, do not make any important decisions and do not drive or perform any tasks that could be considered risky. If you feel confused, weak, or are short of breath after taking Zofran, check with your doctor immediately. As your body becomes used to Zofran, some side effects may disappear.

Possible Side Effects of Zofran

• Dry mouth
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Constipation