Zofran vs. Antivert

Zofran (ondansetron) and Antivert (meclizine HCl) are used to treat nausea and vomiting from different causes.

Zofran is used to treat nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy and also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Antivert is used to prevent or treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness and may be used to reduce lightheadedness, dizziness, and loss of balance (vertigo) caused by diseases that affect the inner ear.

Zofran and Antivert belong to different drug classes. Zofran is an antiemetic (anti-nausea and vomiting) and selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and Antivert is an antihistamine.

Side effects of Zofran and Antivert that are similar include headache, dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, constipation, and blurred vision.

Side effects of Zofran that are different from Antivert include diarrhea, fever, lightheadedness, weakness, rash, and muscle spasm.

Side effects of Antivert that are different from Zofran include dry mouth and vomiting.

Both Zofran and Antivert may interact with antidepressants.

Zofran may also interact with arsenic trioxide, tacrolimus, tramadol, antibiotics, anti-malaria medications, heart rhythm medicines, medicine to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, migraine headache medicines, narcotics, and seizure medications.

Antivert may also interact with alcohol, other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (such as sleeping pills, narcotics, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety or seizures), cinacalcet, quinidine, and terbinafine.

Common side effects of Zofran include:

• diarrhea,
• headache,
• fever,
• lightheadedness,
• dizziness,
• weakness,
• tiredness,
• drowsiness,
• constipation,
• rash,
• blurred vision, and
• muscle spasm.

Common side effects of Antivert include:

• blurred vision,
• dry mouth,
• constipation,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• headache,
• vomiting, or
• tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur.

Zofran (ondansetron) is an antiemetic and selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist prescribed for the treatment of nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy and also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery. Zofran is available in generic form.

Antivert (meclizine HCl) is an antihistamine used to prevent or treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness and may be used to reduce lightheadedness, dizziness, and loss of balance (vertigo) caused by diseases that affect the inner ear. Antivert is available as a generic drug, and should be taken by mouth with or without food, or as directed by your doctor.

Zofran may interact with medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, narcotics, or seizure medications. Zofran may also interact with arsenic trioxide, tacrolimus, tramadol, antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-malaria medications, heart rhythm medicines, other medicines to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, and migraine headache medicines.

Antivert may interact with alcohol, other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (such as sleeping pills, narcotics, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety, depression, or seizures), cinacalcet, quinidine, terbinafine, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Antivert (meclizine HCl) should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary. It is unknown if Antivert passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Zofran adult dose is 32-mg given as a single dose or divided in three 0.15-mg/kg divided doses infused over 15 minutes.

For the control of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system, the recommended dose of Antivert is 25 to 100 mg daily, in divided dosage, depending upon clinical response. The initial dose of 25 to 50 mg of Antivert should be taken one hour prior to embarkation for protection against motion sickness. Thereafter, the dose may be repeated every 24 hours for the duration of the journey.