Zofran

Other Names: Ondansetron Hydrochloride

Commonly Prescribed for: It is generally prescribed following surgery when the risk of nausea and vomiting is high. Zofran helps to alleviate this risk. It is also a highly popular drug for patients who have been receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment as they can often be left with feelings of sickness afterwards.

How to take it: Zofran is provided in 3 ways: tablets, orally disintegrating tables and oral solution. To take the orally disintegrating form you simply place one tablet on the top of your tongue and wait for it to dissolve then swallow. Tablets should be taken with a glass of water. A single dosage of 24mg daily is advised for Zofran.

How it Works: The active ingredient in Zofran, Ondansetron Hydrochloride, directly affects the area of the brain known as the ‘vomiting centre’. It is here that nerve messages are received from another part of the brain, the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), that instruct the feeling of nausea that many of us suffer from. Ondansetron Hydrochloride blocks these messages from reaching the ‘vomiting centre’ and in turn stops any feeling of queasiness.

Some Side Effects: Zofran can inflict serious side effects including: temporary blindness, fever, slow heart rate and breathing difficulties. You should contact a qualified medial professional immediately if any of these effects materialize. More common effects that do not require emergency attention can include: headaches, weakness and constipation.