DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Ondansetron oral soluble film

July 17, 2018

Ondansetron oral soluble film

What is this medicine?

ONDANSETRON (on DAN se tron) is used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It is also used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting after surgery.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. With dry hands, fold the pouch along the dotted line to expose the tear notch. While still folded, tear the pouch carefully along the edge and remove the film from the pouch. Do not cut or tear the film. Place the film on the tongue right away after removing it from the pouch. The film will dissolve in the mouth in seconds. Do not chew or swallow the film whole. After the film dissolves, swallow the medicine with or without liquid. If you have to use multiple films to take the dose you were prescribed, take one film at a time. Allow the film to dissolve in the mouth, swallow, and then take the next film. Wash your hands after taking your medicine.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • confusion

  • dizziness

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • fever and chills

  • loss of balance or coordination

  • seizures

  • sweating

  • tightness in the chest

  • tremors

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation or diarrhea

  • headache

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • apomorphine

  • certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole

  • cisapride

  • dofetilide

  • dronedarone

  • pimozide

  • thioridazine

  • ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • carbamazepine

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • fentanyl

  • linezolid

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • methylene blue (injected into a vein)

  • other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

  • phenytoin

  • rifampicin

  • tramadol

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep the film in the foil pouch until ready to use. Keep foil pouches in the carton. Use the film strip right away, after you take it from the pouch. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • heart disease

  • history of irregular heartbeat

  • liver disease

  • low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to ondansetron, granisetron, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Check with your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can if you have any sign of an allergic reaction.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018