Ondansetron - uses, action, dose, side effects

We explain everything you need to know if you've been prescribed ondansetron to stop you feeling or being sick after chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery

What is ondansetron used for?

Ondansetron is an anti-sickness medicine (sometimes called an antiemetic) that is mainly used in hospitals to help with nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatments or operations under general anaesthetics.

  • Ondansetron is used to prevent and treat feelings of sickness and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and after surgery. It may be used for both adults and children although it is not specifically licensed for radiotherapy-induced sickness in children.

    How does ondansetron work?

    Ondansetron is a type of medicine called a 5HT3 receptor antagonist. It works by blocking 5HT3 receptors that are found in the brain and gut.

    Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery can cause a substance called serotonin (5HT) to be released in the body. This 5HT stimulates the 5HT3 receptors that are found in the brain and gut, and causes nerve messages to be sent to the vomiting centre – an area of the brain that makes you feel sick and controls vomiting.

    Ondansetron stops 5HT from stimulating the 5HT3 receptors and so stops nerve messages being sent to the vomiting centre. This stops feelings of sickness (nausea), retching and vomiting that could otherwise be caused by cancer treatments or surgery.

      What medicines contain ondansetron?

      Ondansetron is a generic medicine that comes as standard tablets, tablets that dissolve on the tongue, liquid and injection.

      Ondansetron is also available under various brand names, including:

      • Ondemet tablets.
      • Setofilm orodispersible films.
      • Zofran tablets, melts, suppositories and injection.

        Last updated: 20.09.2017

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