Zofran
Developed to prevent nausea and to address vomiting associated with cancer treatments or surgical procedures.
- Category
- Digestive Health
- Active ingredient
- Ondansetron
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet; Orodispersible tablet
- Strengths
- 4 · 8mg
Zofran details
- Therapeutic class
- Antiemetic; 5-HT3 Antagonist
- Pharmacological class
- 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonist
- Known off-label uses
- gastroenteritis
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to ondansetron; concurrent use of apomorphine
- Minor side effects
- headache; flushing; constipation
- Moderate side effects
- elevation of liver enzymes; dizziness; abdominal discomfort
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet; Orodispersible tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- Novartis
- Onset Time
- 30–60 minutes
- Duration
- 8–12 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light and humidity.
- Drug interactions
- apomorphine; qt interval prolonging drugs
- Age restrictions
- Use with caution in children; follow specialist paediatric dosing guidance.
Precautions and warnings
monitor for QT prolongation; use caution in patients with hepatic impairment; monitor for severe constipation; may mask symptoms of bowel obstruction
Serious side effects
qt prolongation, requires immediate medical attention; arrhythmia, requires immediate medical attention; anaphylaxis, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
developed to prevent nausea and to address vomiting associated with cancer treatments or surgical procedures.
Mechanism of action
Ondansetron functions as a potent, highly selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. By blocking these receptors located on the vagus nerve terminals and in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brain, it effectively inhibits the emetogenic response to chemotherapy and surgery.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Use of ondansetron is not routinely recommended, especially during the first trimester. Breastfeeding: Formula feeding is recommended if treatment is necessary.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Zofran
Zofran contains ondansetron, a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting, including post-operative nausea and vomiting. It is manufactured by Novartis and supplied as a tablet in strengths of 4mg and 8mg. This treatment is widely used for managing symptoms related to surgical recovery or medical therapies.
Buying Zofran online
Zofran is registered across 14 markets including Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia, with availability also in the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan. Generic ondansetron, much of it made in India, provides a more affordable option than the original brand for expats or residents lacking easy access to a well stocked pharmacy. It is one of the most ordered treatments across the region, available online with delivery to these areas.