Gulf Coast Community College- Associate degree Nursing Medication Cards Student Name: ____________________________ Name of Drug: Generic: ondansetron Trade: Zofran Classification: antiemetics 5 HT<sub>3</sub> 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