- Class
- Antiemetics
- Body system
- Gastrointestinal
- Brand names
- Zofran, Zofran ODT
What is Ondansetron used for?
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and radiation
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting
How Ondansetron works
Serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist in the gut and the vomiting center of the brain.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Report right away
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting
- Agitation, fever, sweating and muscle twitching (serotonin syndrome)
Nursing considerations for Ondansetron
- QT prolongation: use caution with low potassium or magnesium, heart failure, bradycardia and other QT-prolonging drugs; ECG monitoring may be needed.
- Serotonin syndrome is possible with SSRIs, SNRIs and other serotonergic drugs.
Patient teaching
- Orally disintegrating tablets: with dry hands, peel back the foil (do not push the tablet through), place on the tongue and let it dissolve.
- Report constipation that lasts.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Antiemetics practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Ondansetron belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Which antiemetic carries a boxed warning for tardive dyskinesia?
Show answer
Answer A: Metoclopramide Metoclopramide can cause tardive dyskinesia; treatment beyond 12 weeks should be avoided.
-
What is the preferred parenteral route for promethazine?
Show answer
Answer A: Deep intramuscular Deep IM is preferred. Subcutaneous and intra-arterial injection are contraindicated because of severe tissue injury.
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A patient receiving ondansetron has a low potassium level. Why is this a concern?
Show answer
Answer B: It increases the risk of QT prolongation Hypokalemia increases the risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes with ondansetron.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ondansetron used for?
Prevention of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and radiation; Postoperative nausea and vomiting.
What drug class is Ondansetron?
Ondansetron belongs to the class antiemetics. Serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist in the gut and the vomiting center of the brain.
What are the nursing considerations for Ondansetron?
QT prolongation: use caution with low potassium or magnesium, heart failure, bradycardia and other QT-prolonging drugs; ECG monitoring may be needed. Serotonin syndrome is possible with SSRIs, SNRIs and other serotonergic drugs.
What should patients report while taking Ondansetron?
fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting; agitation, fever, sweating and muscle twitching (serotonin syndrome).