Gulf Coast Community College- Associate degree Nursing
Medication Cards
Student Name: ____________________________
Name of Drug: Generic: ondansetron
Trade: Zofran
Classification: antiemetics 5 HT₃ antagonists
Usual Dose: IV (Adults ): Prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting--0.15
mg/kg 15-30 min prior to chemotherapy, repeated 4 and 8 hr later, or 32-mg single dose
30 min prior to chemotherapy (lower doses have been used). IM, IV (Adults ):
Prevention of postoperative nausea/vomiting--4 mg before induction of anesthesia or
postoperatively
Resident/Client/ Patient Dose:
Action: Blocks the effects of serotonin at 5-HT3-receptor sites (selective antagonist)
located in vagal nerve terminals and the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the CNS.
Decreased incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy or
surgery.
Side Effects & Toxic Effects: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, weakness,
constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dry mouth, increased liver enzymes,
extrapyramidal reactions
Drug Interactions: May be affected by drugs altering the activity of liver enzymes
Nursing Implications: Assess patient for nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, and
bowel sounds prior to and following administration. Assess patient for extrapyramidal
effects (involuntary movements, facial grimacing, rigidity, shuffling walk, trembling of
hands) periodically during therapy.
Laboratory Considerations: May cause transient increase in serum bilirubin, AST, and
ALT levels