Zofran

From Practice Parameters
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Section 8 - MEDICATION GUIDELINES

ANTIEMETICS

Ondansetron Hydrochloride (ZOFRAN) / Antiemetic

DESCRIPTION:

  • This medication is used to prevent or decrease the severity of nausea and vomiting.

ACTION:

  • Blocks the effects of the hormone serotonin at the 5-HT3 -receptor sites (located in the vagal nerve terminals) that cause vomiting.
  • Half-life 3.5 - 5.5 hr

INDICATIONS:

  • Severe, persistent vomiting.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

  • Known hypersensitivity.

PRECAUTIONS:

  • Patients with liver impairment
  • Pregnancy-Category B- Studies have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus.
  • May cause an extrapyramidal reaction.
  • Little information is available about dosage in pediatric patients under 2 years of age.

DOSAGE:

  • Currently supplied in 4mg/2ml vials and 4 mg oral disintegrating tablets (ODT)
  • Adult: 4mg slow IVP or 1 ODT tab.
    • When administering IV, consider diluting in 10-20 ml normal saline to aid in administering slowly or 4mg/2ml deep IM in a large muscle.
  • Pediatrics:
    • Premie - 8 years old - ADMINISTER 0.15 mg/kg slow IVP (mag of 4 mg)
    • 9 years and older - 4 mg slow IVP
    • For PO administration:
      • 1-3 year old – ADMINISTER ½ ODT tab
      • 4 years and older: ADMINISTER 1 ODT tab
  • NOTE: Use PO administration route for conscious patients ONLY.