Ondansetron Tablet : Uses, Dosage, Benefits & Side Effects for Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can result from various ailments including surgery, chemo, and infections that involve the stomach. While in some cases, the vomiting and nausea can be tackled with proper medicines, Ondansetron tablet can be the first step in the process.

Ondansetron is classified as a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and therefore is able to work with certain nature chemicals that can make a person nauseous and potentially lead them to vomit, and hence it’s used for.

In the coming paragraphs, how ondansetron tablets work, what they do and the advantages they can lead to, proper dosages, side effects and necessary precautions as well as the posers which are commonly thought of in relation to the term are going to be discussed. To make this article keyword rich and SEO optimized, terms like Ondansetron Tablet, Ondansetron Uses, Ondansetron Anger, Ondansetron Facing Side Effects, Ondansetron for Vomiting, etc. are peppered throughout the text.

What is Ondansetron Tablet ?

Ondansetron is a medicine that is able to neutralize vomiting and therefore is an antiemetic. It is able to balance the nausea as well as the vomiting that can be caused due to certain illnesses and medical treatments.

• Generic Name: Ondansetron

• Class of the Drug: 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ( Antiemetic )

• It can be found in the following forms: tablets, ODT or orally dissolvable tablets, liquid solutions, and injectables.

Medical Uses of Ondansetron Tablet

For conditions of nausea and vomiting, the ondansetron tablet is able to prescribe for various conditions.

1. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)

Nausea is a universal symptom of complications that can occur with chemotherapy treatment for cancer. With the use of ondansetron, it can be managed, which in turn can help with better quality of life.

2. Vomiting and Nausea Caused by Radiation Therapy Oncology and Other Chemo

For patients with radiotherapy induced vomiting, Ondansetron is useful during radiotherapy.

3. Nausea and Vomiting After an Operation

Several patients post surgery experience nausea as a result of the anesthesia. After one day, Ondansetron is efficient in managing nausea.

4. Vomiting Caused by Gastroenteritis

Some physicians prescribe Ondansetron tablets for members suffering from vomiting from gastroenteritis.

5. Other

• Sometimes Ondansetron is prescribed as a solution for morning sickness for which no other therapies appear to be useful.

• Nausea and vomiting due to medical, surgical or radiation treatment.

• Takes less than 30 minutes to start working in people.

• Patients have a choice with tablets, injections, and ODTs.

• Very few side effects have been reported.

• Patients report a improved recovery and treatment experience overall.

Ondansetron Tablet Dosage

As with the other dosing schedules, the amount to be taken must be prescribed by a physician. It will be managed according to age, condition, and severity of the patients symptoms.

1. Adults

Nausea as a result of chemotherapy: 8 mg 30 minutes before the chemotherapy and 8 mg every 8-12 hours.

Post surgery: 16mg an hour before anesthesia OR lesser doses.

2. Kids

Nausea induced as a result of chemotherapy: 4-8mg before the treatment.

Surgical Nausea: The physician must control the dosing.

Warning: Children under six months should not receive Ondansetron without a doctor’s clearance.

How Should I Take Ondansetron Tablet ?

• Take the Ondansetron tablet exactly as prescribed.

• They can be taken with or without a snack.

• For ODT (orally disintegrating tablets) the instructions are to keep it on your tongue until it completely dissolves. Do not use any water.

• If you happen to vomit a dose of the tablet, the instructions say you should not take a dose. You must wait until the next scheduled dose unless a doctor says otherwise.

• At room temperature, you should keep it away from moisture.

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What Are the Possible Side Effects of Ondansetron ?

Although it is a reasonably safe medication, Ondansetron does have its side effects as well.

Some of the side effects that are common include

• Dizziness
• Flushing (a warm sensation)
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Lesser side effects that could become serious are

• Chest pain
• Dizziness or fainting severely
• Difficulty breathing or rapidly breathing
• Leaving behind temporary blurred vision or vision completely lost
• Rash with swelling, severe itching, or other allergic reactions

Generally, if you take any medication, there are always a set of caution and necessary precautions.

What Should You Do Before Taking Ondansetron ?

If you notice any of the following conditions of Ondansetron, be sure to let your doctor know:

• Heart defect like Long QT syndrome or other arrhythmias.
• As well as suffering from a severe case of liver disease.
• If you’re allergic to drugs with similar features.
• If you’re a breastfeeding or pregnant woman.
• Other drugs that you take that have an impact on the heart rhythm should be taken cautiously.Drug Interactions

Ondansetron and other medications, more specifically, the following
medications, may interact negatively.

• other anti-arrhythmic drugs (use with caution, may cause various
  cardiac arrhythmias)
• Tramadol (moderate interaction)
• any anti-depressants (possible enhancement of serotonin syndrome
  risk)
• anti-epileptic thiazides (like Phenytoin, Carbamezapine, etc.)
• These medications may lower the effects of Ondansetron.

Avoid complications and always disclose any current medications to
your physician.

Lifestyle Modifications to Ondansetron

• Eat ginger and small, light meals.
• do remember drinking sips of clear fluids.
• do not use alcohol, may increase feelings of faintness.
• faintness, dizziness, and vomiting may be increased by sudden movements.
• All currently prescribed medications ought to be taken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 When do you begin to expect the effects of Ondansetron ?

• The effects of Ondansetron may begin within 30 mins to 1 hour. They may last about 6.

Q.2 Can I take Ondansetron every day ?

• It should only be taken as prescribed. Except the prescription is renewed, taking it long term is discouraged.

Q.3 Is Ondansetron safe for pregnant women ?

• Its use is prescribed for particularly difficult instances of morning nausea, though only with specific supervision.

Q.4 Is Ondansetron associated with Drowsiness ?

• It is not very common, though dizziness and headaches are issues with Ondansetron usage.

Q.5 What happens if I forget a dose ?

• Sometimes doses can be taken if not taken at the proper time. Assuming the dose hasn’t neared the next scheduled dose, take the dose as soon as it’s remembered. Make sure you resist the urge to take more than one dose at a time.

Conclusion

Ondansetron’s tablet formulation represents a potent and credible treatment for vomiting and nausea that occurs as a result of chemotherapy, surgical operations, the usage of radiotherapy, or even due to an infection. Parenthetically, Ondansetron achieves this by blocking the action of serotonin from particular areas in the brain, which is why it remains one of the most prescribed medications for nausea and vomiting.

Ondansetron is an inherently safe medicine, and not as safe if it’s taken as is, especially on patients with a history of heart or liver disease. However, the goal of Ondansetron, which is to provide medical relief, can only be achieved if the prescribed dose, possible side effects, and management of the dose is taken into consideration.

When patients are properly attended to, Ondansetron enhances their comfort and decreases nausea, which in turn assists in medical recovery after going through various medical procedures.