ondansetron injection

ondansetron injection  (Zofran,emeset)    1ml/2mg iv

USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. It is also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery. It works by blocking one of the body's natural substances (serotonin) that causes vomiting.

HOW TO USE: Before using, check this product visually for discoloration. Ondansetron injection should be clear and colorless. If discoloration is present, do not use the liquid. When the vial is stored upright after first use, clumps may occasionally form on the top of the vial. Check the vial and the vial top carefully for particles. If particles are present, shake the vial to re-dissolve the particles. If any particles remain after the vial is shaken, do not use the liquid. Follow all instructions for proper mixing with the correct IV fluids. If you have any questions about the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.To prevent nausea from chemotherapy, ondansetron may be given as a single dose or 3 smaller doses. It is mixed in a solution and given into a vein (IV) by a health care professional, usually over 15 minutes or as directed by your doctor. This drug is usually started 30 minutes before your chemotherapy treatment begins. Do not give this medication any faster than recommended because this may increase the chance of serious side effects such as blurred vision or slowed/irregular heartbeat. Depending on the type of chemotherapy treatment you are receiving, a smaller first dose may be used, and a second and third dose may be given 4 and 8 hours after your first dose. You may also be switched to a medication you can take by mouth, or a low dose of ondansetron may be given continuously through an IV for up to 24 hours.Your doctor may direct you to continue this medication for 1 or 2 days after your chemotherapy treatment. If you are using this medication on a prescribed schedule, use it regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Use this medication exactly as directed. Do not use more medication or use it more often than prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.To prevent or treat nausea after surgery, a single dose of ondansetron may be given undiluted into a muscle or vein (IV) shortly before the start of surgery, during surgery, or after surgery. It is best to give IV ondansetron over 2 to 5 minutes to decrease side effects such as dizziness. When given through an IV, ondansetron should not be given over less than 30 seconds.Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, type of treatment, and response to therapy. The usual maximum dose in patients with liver disease is 8 milligrams in 24 hours.Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Ondansetron injection is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and surgery. Ondansetron is in a class of medications called 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural substance that may cause nausea and vomiting.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, fever, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, constipation, or redness/pain/burning at the injection site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: stomach pain, muscle stiffness/spasm, vision changes (e.g., temporary loss of vision, blurred vision, uncontrollable eye movements).Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, fainting, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.Call your doctor for medical advice about side effect

PRECAUTIONS: Before using ondansetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other serotonin blockers (e.g., granisetron); or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: irregular heartbeat, liver disease, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., recent abdominal surgery, ileus, swelling).Ondansetron may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may affect the heart rhythm (see also Drug Interactions section). Before using ondansetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using ondansetron safely.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.Infants younger than 5 months may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially diarrhea.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: apomorphine.If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting ondansetron.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: tramadol.Many drugs besides ondansetron may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide,amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others. Therefore, before using ondansetron, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

How should this medicine be used?

Ondansetron comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) or into a muscle by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. When ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, it is usually given 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy. Additional doses may be given 4 hours after the first dose and 8 hours after the first dose. When ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, it is usually given just before the surgery. Ondansetron is also sometimes given after surgery to patients who are experiencing nausea and vomiting and did not receive ondansetron before surgery.

Other uses for this medicine

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This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

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Before taking ondansetron,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ondansetron, alosetron (Lotronex), dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), palonosetron (Aloxi), or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention tramadol (Ultram, in Ultracet). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ondansetron, call your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

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Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your usual diet.

What side effects can this medication cause?

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Ondansetron may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• constipation
• drowsiness
• feeling cold
• numbness, burning, or tingling in the fingers or toes
• fever
• pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or burning in the place where ondansetron was injected

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• hives
• itching
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• shortness of breath
• noisy, high pitched breathing
• blurred vision or vision loss

Ondansetron may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• sudden loss of vision for a short time
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• fainting
• constipation
• irregular heartbeat