Generic Name for Zofran
The generic name for Zofran is ondansetron.
Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist that is widely used as an antiemetic medication to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with various conditions 1, 2.
Clinical Uses of Ondansetron
Ondansetron is FDA-approved for the prevention of:
- Nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (including cisplatin ≥50 mg/m²)
- Nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy
- Nausea and vomiting associated with radiotherapy
- Postoperative nausea and/or vomiting 2
Dosage Forms
Ondansetron is available in multiple formulations:
- Oral tablets (4 mg and 8 mg)
- Oral dissolving tablets
- Oral soluble films
- Injectable formulation for intravenous administration 1, 2, 3
Typical Dosing
For chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting:
- 8 mg oral twice daily or 8 mg oral dissolving tablet twice daily
- 8 mg or 0.15 mg/kg IV 1
For radiation-induced nausea and vomiting:
- Similar dosing as for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting 2
Safety Considerations
Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Malaise/fatigue 2
Important warnings:
- QT interval prolongation risk (avoid in congenital long QT syndrome)
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Serotonin syndrome (particularly with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs)
- Myocardial ischemia
- Masking of progressive ileus 2
Ondansetron is generally well-tolerated compared to older antiemetics, with a lower incidence of sedation and extrapyramidal reactions 4.