ONDAP INJECTIONS

Ondansetron injection is used in the prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and surgery. Ondansetron belongs to the category of medicines called serotonin 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists. The medication works by suppressing the action of serotonin, a natural substance responsible for causing nausea and vomiting.  Ondansetron is injected intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle) by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.  To prevent nausea and vomiting caused by the chemotherapy, Ondansetron is given 30 minutes before starting the chemotherapy. Store the Ondansetron injection in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.

Take the Ondansetron injection as per the dosage and duration prescribed by the doctor. Do not self-medicate the Ondansetron injection, administer it under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Some of the commonly observed side effects of Constipation are headache, Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck, and trunk), and  Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness). Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Ondansetron and similar medications.

Medical Benefits of Ondansetron Injection 

Ondansetron is an antiemetic medication. It works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger serotonin in the brain that may cause nausea and vomiting during anti-cancer treatment chemotherapy or after surgery. It can also be prescribed to pregnant women to prevent the nausea and vomiting experienced during the morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum), especially when other treatments have not been very effective.  The range of medical benefits offered by the Ondansetron Injection is briefed below:

• Prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.
• Improve a patient’s quality of life during cancer treatment or after surgery.
• Reduce the need for additional medications to control nausea and vomiting.
• Useful in pregnancy during nausea and vomiting in morning sickness

Directions for Use 

Do not self-administer the Ondansetron injection. Take it under the guidance of your healthcare professional. To prevent nausea from chemotherapy, ondansetron is mixed in a solution and given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually over 15 minutes. The drugs are administrated 30 minutes before starting the chemotherapy.

Side Effects of Ondansetron Injection

There are mild to moderate side effects of Ondansetron Injection that do not last for a long time.  The side effects usually vary in all the users as they depend on the physiological condition and response to the therapy.  Inform your doctor if your side effects persist or worsen with time. The range of side effects noticed on using the Ondansetron Injection are mentioned below:

• Constipation
• Headache
• Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck, and trunk)
• Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Precautions and Warnings 

1. Avoid consuming alcohol as it may interact with Ondansetron injection and cause a negative impact on health.

2. Avoid heavy meals and try eating small nourishing snacks throughout the day. Also, sip water regularly to help avoid dehydration.

3. Store the Ondansetron injection in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.

4. Keep the Ondansetron injection out of reach of children and pets. Properly dispose of expired and discarded medicines.

5. In case you vomit within one hour of taking a dose, take another dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Is Ondansetron a steroid? 

No, Ondansetron is an antiemetic and not a steroid. Ondansetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. It is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting which is commonly observed after surgery or due to cancer chemotherapy.

2. What are the side effects of Ondansetron?

The most common side effects of Ondansetron are constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and headache. All the side effects usually get resolved on their own and do not require medical attention. However immediately inform your doctor if your side effects persist or worsen with time.