Ondansetron: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring

Facts extracted from current FDA product labeling for Ondansetron. Educational only — not medical advice.

Reported adverse reactions

ReactionHighest frequency reported*
Diarrhea44%
Pyrexia41%
Headache25%
Fever8%
Akalhisia6%
Reactions*5%
Paresthesia2%

*Highest percentage across placebo-controlled trial tables summarized in current labeling.

Labeled uses

Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including high-dose cisplatin. Efficacy of the 32 mg single dose beyond 24 hours in these patients has not been established. Prevention of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting. As with other antiemetics, routine prophylaxis is not recommended for patients in whom there is little expectation that nausea and/or vomiting will occur postoperatively. In patients where nausea and/or vomiting must be avoided postoperatively, ondansetron injection, USP is recommended even where the incidence of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting is low. For patients who do not receive prophylactic ondansetron injection, USP and experience nausea and/or vomiting postoperatively, ondansetron injection, USP may be given to prevent further episodes (see CLINICAL TRIALS ).

Source: FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (set a360d43c…). Not affiliated with FDA or NIH.

Medical disclaimer: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any medication.