From the Research
For nausea associated with Zepbound (tirzepatide), ondansetron (Zofran) can be used at a typical dose of 4-8 mg taken orally every 8 hours as needed. Start with 4 mg at the first sign of nausea and take no more than 24 mg total in 24 hours. The oral dissolving tablets may work more quickly for some patients. Take ondansetron 30-60 minutes before Zepbound injection if you experience predictable nausea with each dose. Nausea is a common side effect of Zepbound as it slows gastric emptying and affects gut hormones. Most patients find that nausea tends to improve after the first few weeks of treatment as the body adjusts to the medication. Staying well hydrated, eating smaller meals, and avoiding fatty foods may also help reduce nausea. If ondansetron doesn't provide adequate relief, consult your healthcare provider about adjusting your Zepbound dose or trying alternative anti-nausea medications. Some key points to consider when using ondansetron for nausea associated with Zepbound include:
- The efficacy of ondansetron in reducing nausea and vomiting has been demonstrated in various studies, including those comparing it to metoclopramide 1, 2, 3.
- The optimal dose and administration schedule for ondansetron may vary depending on individual patient needs and responses 1, 4.
- Ondansetron is generally well-tolerated, but may cause side effects such as headache and constipation 1, 3.
- Alternative anti-nausea medications, such as maropitant and metoclopramide, may also be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting associated with Zepbound, but may have different side effect profiles and efficacy compared to ondansetron 1, 2, 4, 3.