🤢 Ondansetron 4 mg Tablet

Effective Relief from Nausea & Vomiting

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🔍 Overview

Ondansetron 4 mg Tablet is a prescription antiemetic (anti-nausea) medication used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or gastrointestinal disturbances. It belongs to a class of drugs called 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists, which work by blocking serotonin, a chemical that can trigger vomiting.

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💊 Active Ingredient & Mechanism

• Ondansetron Hydrochloride (as Ondansetron Base) – 4 mg

  • Blocks serotonin receptors (5-HT₃) in the gut and brain’s vomiting center (chemoreceptor trigger zone).

  • Reduces nausea signals from the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system.

  • Starts acting within 30 minutes to 2 hours and lasts about 4–8 hours.

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📌 How to Use

• Dosage:

  • Adults: 4–8 mg every 8 hours, depending on severity and indication

  • Before chemotherapy/radiation: Taken 30 minutes prior

  • Postoperative nausea: 4 mg as a single dose

• Administration:

  • Can be taken with or without food

  • Swallow with water; do not crush or split unless scored

  • Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) are available for ease of use

• Note: Do not exceed 3 doses (maximum 24 mg) in 24 hours unless advised by a doctor

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✅ Common Indications

• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

• Radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV)

• Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV)

• Nausea due to gastroenteritis or other non-specific causes

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⚠️ Common Side Effects

• Headache

• Constipation

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Fatigue

• Mild flushing or sensation of warmth

These effects are usually mild and short-lived.

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🚨 Serious Side Effects (Rare)

• QT interval prolongation (irregular heart rhythm)

• Serotonin syndrome (confusion, restlessness, fever, muscle twitching — especially with other serotonergic drugs)

• Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling of lips or face, difficulty breathing)

• Vision disturbances (usually with high IV doses)

• Liver enzyme elevation (rare)

Seek immediate medical help if symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, palpitations, or confusion occur.

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🩺 Monitoring & Follow-Up

• Short-term use: Typically doesn’t require regular monitoring

• For high-risk or long-term use:

  • Monitor electrocardiogram (ECG) for patients with heart conditions or on QT-prolonging medications

  • Liver function monitoring in patients with hepatic impairment

  • Watch for signs of serotonin syndrome if used with antidepressants

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⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

• Cardiac patients: Use with caution in those with QT prolongation, arrhythmias, or electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low magnesium or potassium)

• Liver disease: Dose adjustment may be needed

• Children: Safe in adjusted doses (especially post-surgery or chemotherapy)

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Often used safely during pregnancy (especially in hyperemesis gravidarum), but only under medical supervision

• Avoid combining with other serotonin-enhancing medications (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) unless monitored

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📝 Summary

Ondansetron 4 mg Tablet is a safe and effective treatment for nausea and vomiting, particularly for patients undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. It works by blocking serotonin signals in the gut and brain, offering rapid relief from symptoms.

Always follow your doctor’s advice, dosage instructions, and never self-medicate.