Ondansetron ODT: immediate relief for nausea and vomiting

Ondansetron is primarily used for preventing nausea and vomiting caused by medical treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.⁴ If you've ever had surgery, you know how miserable postoperative nausea can be, and ondansetron helps ensure you can recover without the added discomfort. 

Along with keeping yourself hydrated and giving your body the nutrients it needs during cancer treatment, anti-nausea medications such as ondansetron can help relieve these unpleasant symptoms. 

In addition to medical procedures and treatments, this medication can also be commonly used to relieve nausea from other causes, such as migraines, the stomach flu, and morning sickness during pregnancy.⁵ 

For preventing nausea after surgery or chemotherapy, the typical dosage for adults is 8 mg taken a half hour to two hours before treatment. Then at the same dose every eight hours after the procedure as determined by your doctor.  If you're still feeling nauseous after your initial dose, your doctor may prescribe additional doses to help relieve your symptoms. 

Ondansetron is safe for use by both adults and children, so you and your children can overcome symptoms effectively. 

Dosages for children using ondansetron are usually based on weight, age, and ability to swallow pills, and are typically only 4 mg three times daily for children over 40 kg. If your child has trouble swallowing pills, oral forms by syringe or an IV may be used, particularly in cases of chemotherapy. 
 

Post-operative and chemotherapy/radiation induced nausea will be managed by your surgeon and oncologist, respectively.  

Ondansetron is safe for kids, but they may still experience side effects such as: 

• Diarrhea 

• Constipation 

• Headaches 

• Fatigue 

Severe reactions are rare but call your doctor immediately if your child shows signs of an allergic reaction. 

As the brand-name drug Zofran^Ⓡ, this medication typically costs between $45 to $65 for nine tablets. Ondansetron is more affordable, ranging from $10 to $30 for the same dosage. Many brand-names offer discounts or coupons on their website that can save you 25-75% off the retail price.⁶ Ask your insurance provider if ondansetron qualifies for a lower copay.⁷  

We can help you get your prescription, with or without insurance. 

Ondansetron ingested orally will take about 15 to 30 minutes to start relieving your symptoms.⁹ The effects can last from four to eight hours, depending on the dosage and form you're taking. The tablet form will melt on your tongue, so the medication absorbs more quickly into your bloodstream. 

For the best results, take ondansetron as prescribed by your doctor.  

Taking more than the daily recommended maximum of 24 mg can lead to an overdose. If you suspect an overdose, call your doctor or poison control center right away. Overdose symptoms include: 

• Severe dizziness 

• Confusion or agitation 

• Hallucinations or fainting 

• Irregular heartbeat 

According to the National Institutes of Health, the risk of birth defects among thousands of women who have used odansetron during pregnancy is extremely small.¹⁰  Most studies showed no increase in risk for birth defects while a few showed a less than 1% increase in risk for a cleft palate or a heart defect.