View source for Zofran

==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'''.

[[Category:Medication Guidelines|Zofran]]