Ondansetron
Also known as: Zofran, Setofilm
Ondansetron is a potent anti-nausea medication often used when other common medications have failed, or for severe conditions like parvovirus, pancreatitis, or during chemotherapy. * **Administration**: Can be given with or without food. If your pet vomits shortly after taking the pill, contact your veterinarian before giving another dose. * **Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT)**: If you are prescribed the "melting" tablets, handle them with dry hands. Do not push the tablet through the foil backing; instead, peel the foil back to remove the tablet. Place it gently in your pet's mouth where it will dissolve quickly. * **Side Effects**: Generally very well tolerated. Mild sleepiness or constipation can occasionally occur. Contact your vet if you notice unusual head shaking or extreme lethargy. * **Storage**: Keep out of reach of children and other pets. Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Empiric dose
- Anti-emetic for intractable vomiting
- Antiemetic for adjunctive treatment of severe pancreatitis
- All uses (nausea and vomiting)
- All uses (nausea and vomiting)
- Severe vomiting (including parvovirus or pancreatitis)
- Chemotherapy-related vomiting
- Adjunctive therapy of acute diarrhea
- Antiemetic
- Antiemetic for adjunctive treatment of uremia
- All uses (nausea and vomiting)
- All uses (nausea and vomiting)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Constipation
- Sedation
- Extrapyramidal clinical signs (head shaking)
- Arrhythmias
- Hypotension
- Headaches (reported in humans)
- Alterations in liver enzymes
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ondansetron or other 5-HT3 antagonists
- Concurrent use with apomorphine (due to risk of severe hypotension)
- Intestinal obstruction
- Ondansetron may mask ileus or gastric distention; it should not be used in place of nasogastric suction. Use with caution in patients with hepatic dysfunction as the half-life may be prolonged. Caution is advised when administering to dogs with the MDR1/ABCB1 mutation, as it is a known P-glycoprotein substrate in humans. Exercise caution in nursing patients as it is excreted in maternal milk.
Drug interactions
- Apomorphine: Severe hypotension reported in humans; concurrent use is contraindicated.
- Drugs affecting QTc interval (e.g., amiodarone, cisapride, halothane, isoflurane, sotalol): Theoretically may have additive effects on QTc interval, potentially resulting in serious arrhythmias.
- Tramadol: May reduce the efficacy of both drugs (human data); veterinary significance is unknown.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ondansetron used for in pets?
Ondansetron is a potent anti-nausea medication often used when other common medications have failed, or for severe conditions like parvovirus, pancreatitis, or during chemotherapy. * **Administration**: Can be given with or without food. If your pet vomits shortly after taking the pill, contact your veterinarian before giving another dose. * **Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT)**: If you are prescribed the "melting" tablets, handle them with dry hands. Do not push the tablet through the foil backing; instead, peel the foil back to remove the tablet. Place it gently in your pet's mouth where it will dissolve quickly. * **Side Effects**: Generally very well tolerated. Mild sleepiness or constipation can occasionally occur. Contact your vet if you notice unusual head shaking or extreme lethargy. * **Storage**: Keep out of reach of children and other pets. Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Is Ondansetron safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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