About ondansetron hydrochloride dihydrate
Serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist
Used for
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery
- Prevention of nausea and vomiting from radiotherapy
Usual adult dose
Usually 8 mg before chemotherapy, then 8 mg every 12 hours for up to five days; schedules vary by treatment.
Usual dose in children
For chemotherapy, usually 0.15 mg/kg per dose intravenously for three doses; oral schedules vary by age and treatment.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
Important warnings
- Can prolong the heart rhythm (QT interval), rarely causing serious arrhythmias.
- Avoid with apomorphine due to risk of severe low blood pressure and unconsciousness.
- Seek urgent care for allergic reactions or symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Dose adjustment may be needed in severe liver impairment.
Pregnancy
May be used when clinically necessary; discuss potential benefits and risks with a healthcare professional.
Breastfeeding
Human milk data are limited; use requires consideration of benefits and potential risks.
Interactions
- Apomorphine: contraindicated combination.
- Other QT-prolonging medicines may increase abnormal heart rhythm risk.
- Serotonergic medicines may increase serotonin syndrome risk.
- Strong enzyme-inducing medicines, such as rifampicin, may reduce effectiveness.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.