What is Ondansetron Hcl: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 16, 2024  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Ondansetron Hcl overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Zofran, Zuplenz, Zuplenz

Generic Names:

  • Ondansetron Hcl

Uses:

  • Prevents nausea and vomiting.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiemetic

Forms:

  • Thin Sheet, Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, Into the mouth

What form(s) does Ondansetron Hcl come in

  • Thin Sheet

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Dissolving Tablet

Common Ondansetron Hcl prescriptions

  • Ondansetron HCl
    50ml of 4mg/5ml bottle

  • Ondansetron HCl
    3 tablets box

  • Ondansetron HCl
    4mg tablet

  • Ondansetron HCl
    8mg tablet

  • Ondansetron HCl
    20ml of 40mg/20ml vial

  • Ondansetron HCl
    2ml of 4mg/2ml vial

How to take Ondansetron Hcl

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • To use the disintegrating tablet: Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it.Make sure your hands are dry. Peel back the foil, then remove the tablet from the blister pack. Do not push the tablet through the foil.Place the tablet on top of your tongue where it will dissolve in seconds. After the tablet has melted, swallow or take a sip of water.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the soluble film in the foil pouch until you ready to use it.

  • To use the soluble film: Make sure your hands are clean and dry.Fold the pouch along the dotted line.While still folded, tear the pouch carefully along the edge. Remove the film from the pouch.Place the film on top of your tongue. It will dissolve in 4 to 20 seconds. Do not chew or swallow the film whole.After the film has dissolved, you may swallow with or without water.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • To use the disintegrating tablet: Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it.Make sure your hands are dry. Peel back the foil, then remove the tablet from the blister pack. Do not push the tablet through the foil.Place the tablet on top of your tongue where it will dissolve in seconds. After the tablet has melted, swallow or take a sip of water.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • To use the soluble film: Make sure your hands are clean and dry.Fold the pouch along the dotted line.While still folded, tear the pouch carefully along the edge. Remove the film from the pouch.Place the film on top of your tongue. It will dissolve in 4 to 20 seconds. Do not chew or swallow the film whole.After the film has dissolved, you may swallow with or without water.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the soluble film in the foil pouch until you ready to use it.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Ondansetron Hcl contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ondansetron.

Ondansetron Hcl warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems (such as prolonged QT interval, slow heartbeat), low magnesium or potassium levels, stomach or bowel problems, or phenylketonuria (PKU).

  • This medicine may cause heart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation).

  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ondansetron Hcl interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with apomorphine.

  • Some medicines may affect how ondansetron works. Tell your doctor if you are using tramadol, diuretics (water pills), or any other medicine for nausea and vomiting.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ondansetron Hcl side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Trouble breathing

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Constipation or diarrhea

  • Tiredness or weakness

  • Headache