Zofran Injection (Ondansetron Hydrochloride Injection) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 7, 2012

Zofran Injection

Nausea and Vomiting »

Introduction to nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of an underlying disease and not a specific illness. Nausea is the sensation that the stomach wants to empty itself, while vomiting (emesis) or throwing up, is the act of forcible emptying of the stomach.

Vomiting is a violent act in which the stomach has to overcome the pressures that are normally in place to keep food and secretions within the stomach. The stomach almost turns itself inside out - forcing itself into the lower portion of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) during a vomiting episode.

What causes nausea or vomiting?

There are numerous causes of nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may be due to the following:

acute gastritis
central causes (signals from the brain)
association with other illnesses remote from the stomach
medications and medical treatments

Read the Nausea and Vomiting article »

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Zofran Injection

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ZOFRAN®
(ondansetron hydrochloridc) Injection for Intravenous Use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The active ingredient of ZOFRAN Injection is ondansetron hydrochloride, a selective blocking agent of the serotonin 5-HT₃ receptor type. Its chemical name is (±) 1,2,3, 9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl-lH-imidazol-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one, monohydrochloride, dihydrate. It has the following structural formula:

ZOFRAN®
(ondansetron hydrochloridc) Structural Formula Illustration

The empirical formula is C₁₈H₁₉N₃O•HCl•2H₂O, representing a molecular weight of 365.9.

Ondansetron HC1 is a white to off-white powder that is soluble in water and normal saline.

Each 1 mL of aqueous solution in the 2 mL single-dose vial contains 2 mg of ondansetron as the hydrochloride dihydrate; 9 mg of sodium chloride, USP; and 0.5 mg of citric acid monohydrate, USP and 0.25 mg of sodium citrate dihydrate, USP as buffers in Water for Injection, USP.

Each 1 mL of aqueous solution in the 20 mL multidose vial contains 2 mg of ondansetron as the hydrochloride dihydrate; 8.3 mg of sodium chloride, USP; 0.5 mg of citric acid monohydrate, USP and 0.25 mg of sodium citrate dihydrate, USP as buffers; and 1.2 mg of methylparaben, NF and 0.15 mg of propylparaben, NF as preservatives in Water for Injection, USP.

ZOFRAN Injection is a clear, colorless, nonpyrogenic, sterile solution for intravenous use. The pH of the injection solution is 3.3 to 4.0.

What are the possible side effects of ondansetron injection (Zofran)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

blurred vision or temporary blindness;
muscle spasm or twitching, especially in your face; or
stiffness in your neck.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

diarrhea;
headache;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Zofran Injection »

What are the precautions when taking ondansetron hydrochloride injection (Zofran Injection)?

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. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

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...

Read All Potential Precautions of Zofran Injection »

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/3/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.