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AI-Generated response:

What are common side effects of Zofran?

Answer generated on June 4, 2024

The AI-generated responses are for illustration purposes only and should not be used for medical purposes.

Common side effects of Zofran (Ondansetron) include headache, constipation, diarrhea, and dizziness.

Serious side effects can include serotonin syndrome and cardiac arrhythmias such as QT prolongation and torsade de pointes.

  • Headache is the most frequently reported side effect, occurring in 9-27% of patients, particularly in those receiving the drug for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).[1]

  • Gastrointestinal side effects include constipation (6-11%) and diarrhea (2-16%).[1]

  • Neurological side effects reported include dizziness (4-7%) and seizures; however, a causal relationship with seizures has not been established.[1]

  • Cardiac side effects such as QT prolongation and rare cases of torsade de pointes have been reported.[1]

  • Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, has also been associated with Zofran, although it is rare.[1]

Additional info

Zofran is a serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonist commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. While it is generally well-tolerated, the range of side effects from mild to severe necessitates careful monitoring, especially in patients with underlying cardiac conditions due to the risk of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. The occurrence of serotonin syndrome, although rare, underscores the importance of being vigilant when Zofran is administered, particularly in combination with other serotonergic drugs. Clinicians should balance these risks with the benefits of Zofran in controlling nausea and vomiting, particularly in oncology and postoperative settings.

References

Reference 1

1.

Elsevier ClinicalKey Drug Monograph

Content last updated: May 3, 2024.

Adverse Reactions Headache (9—27%) was the most frequently reported adverse event during clinical trials of zofran and appeared to be more common in patients receiving the drug for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Preliminary observations in a small number of subjects suggest a higher incidence of headache when zofran orally disintegrating tablets are taken with water, when compared to without water. Other neurologic side effects reported include drowsiness (8—20%), malaise and fatigue (9—13%), anxiety or agitation (<= 6%), paresthesias (2%), and dizziness (4—7%). Transient dizziness associated with intravenous infusion has been reported post-marketing. Rarely, extrapyramidal reactions, including oculogyric crisis appearing alone or with other types of dystonic reaction, have been reported with zofran use. In one case, extrapyramidal reactions were confirmed by rechallenge. In addition, there have been rare reports of grand mal seizures in patients receiving zofran, although a casual relationship has not been established.

Adverse Reactions Diarrhea (2—16%) and constipation (6—11%) were among the most frequently reported adverse events in patients receiving zofran during clinical trials for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) with moderate-high emetogenic agents. Hiccups have been reported during post-marketing experience with zofran.

Adverse Reactions Diarrhea (2—16%) and constipation (6—11%) were among the most frequently reported adverse events in patients receiving ondansetron during clinical trials for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) with moderate-high emetogenic agents. Hiccups have been reported during post-marketing experience with ondansetron.

Adverse Reactions 1. constipation 2. diarrhea 3. drowsiness 4. fatigue 5. headache 6. malaise 7. agitation 8. anxiety 9. bradycardia 10. bronchospasm 11. chills 12. dizziness 13. elevated hepatic enzymes 14. fever 15. hypotension 16. injection site reaction 17. paresthesias 18. urinary retention 19. rash 20. acute myocardial ischemia 21. anaphylactoid reactions 22. angina 23. angioedema 24. atrial fibrillation 25. AV block 26. blurred vision 27. cardiac arrest 28. chest pain (unspecified) 29. coronary vasospasm 30. dyspnea 31. dystonic reaction 32. flushing 33. hepatic failure 34. hiccups 35. hypokalemia 36. laryngeal edema 37. laryngospasm 38. palpitations 39. premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) 40. pruritus 41. QT prolongation 42. respiratory arrest 43. seizures 44. serotonin syndrome 45. sinus tachycardia 46. Stevens-Johnson syndrome 47. ST-T wave changes 48. supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) 49. syncope 50. torsade de pointes 51. toxic epidermal necrolysis 52. urticaria 53. ventricular tachycardia 54. visual impairment

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