Zofran – what is it for, how to use it and harm!

Zofran  is used  alone or with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting  caused by cancer drug treatment . It is also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting  after surgery. It works by blocking one of the body’s natural substances ( serotonin ) that causes vomiting .

How to use zofran?

To prevent nausea from chemotherapy, take by mouth usually within 30 minutes of starting treatment. To avoid nausea from radiation treatment, take this medication by mouth, 1 to 2 hours before starting treatment. To avoid nausea after surgery, take it by mouth 1 hour before the start of surgery. Zofran can be taken with or without food. However, your doctor may recommend not eating before chemotherapy, radiation, or skin and skin surgery .

If you are using zofran in liquid form, use a special spoon or device to measure your prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon as you may not get the correct dose. Take other doses as directed by your doctor.

Zofran  can be taken up to 3 times a day for 1 to 2 days after chemotherapy or radiation treatment has ended. If you are taking zofran on a prescribed schedule, take it regularly to get the most benefit. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Dosage:

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Dosage for children can also be based on age and weight. The usual maximum dose in patients with severe liver problems is 8 milligrams in 24 hours. Take zofran exactly as directed. Do not take more medication or take it more often than prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Tell your doctor if the problem does not improve or gets worse.

Side effects:

Headache, dizziness , drowsiness, tiredness, or constipation may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor immediately. Remember that your doctor prescribed this drug because he thought the benefit outweighed the risk of side effects.

Many people who use zofran do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor straight away if any of these uncommon but serious side effects occur: stomach pain , muscle spasm, stiffness and vision changes. Seek medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, slow or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness and fainting.

It can increase serotonin  and rarely causes a very serious problem called serotonin syndrome /toxicity. The risk is increased if you are also taking other serotonin -enhancing medicines , so tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.

Seek medical help immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, unusual muscle twitching, unexplained fever, and agitation.

A very serious allergic reaction is unlikely, but stop taking it and seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. In addition, symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue and throat), severe dizziness and difficulty breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions:

Before taking zofran , tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic; or to other serotonin blockers  (eg granisetron); or if you have other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which may cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Also, speak to your pharmacist for details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: irregular heartbeat, liver disease , intestinal and stomach problems (eg, recent abdominal surgery, ileus, bloating ).

Zofran can cause a problem that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT interval prolongation can rarely cause rapid or irregular heartbeats (rarely fatal) and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness and fainting) that need immediate medical attention.

The risk of QT interval prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other medications that can cause QT prolongation. Before use, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all medications you are taking and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart conditions and a family history of certain heart conditions.

Interactions:

Many drugs besides zofran can affect heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others.

Therefore, before using ondansetron, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist. The risk of serotonin syndrome  and toxicity increases if you are taking other drugs that increase serotonin .

The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when starting or increasing the dose of these drugs. In addition, package insert does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, inform your doctor or pharmacist of all products used. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose:

If someone overdoses and has severe symptoms, such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911.

Grades:

Do not share zofran with other people. In addition, laboratory and/or medical tests (such as EKG) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed dose:

Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose of zofran , take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage:

Tablets can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 2-30 degrees C. Store the liquid form at room temperature between 15-30 degrees C. Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.

Also, keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or down a drain unless recommended. Dispose of this product properly when it expires or is no longer needed.