Ondansetron ODT VTRS (Ondansetron)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ondansetron ODT VTRS Used For?
Ondansetron ODT VTRS contains the active ingredient ondansetron and belongs to a group of medicines called antiemetics. It helps prevent nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting that can occur after certain medical treatments.
Primary Uses
Ondansetron ODT VTRS is used to treat nausea and vomiting for which it has been specifically prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe it for other reasons – ask them if you have questions about why it was prescribed for you.
How It Works
Ondansetron works by helping to stop the nausea (sick feeling) and vomiting which can occur after certain treatments.
Good to know: Ondansetron ODT VTRS is not addictive.
How to Take Ondansetron ODT VTRS
The pharmacist’s label on your pack will tell you exactly how to take Ondansetron ODT VTRS. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosage Instructions
Peel back the foil top of the blister strip and gently remove the tablet. Do not try to push it through the foil as the tablet is fragile and will break. Place the tablet on top of your tongue – it will disappear very quickly, then swallow as normal. Do not take more than your doctor or pharmacist tells you, and do not take it more often than prescribed. If you vomit within one hour of taking your first dose, take the same dose again. If you continue to vomit, tell your doctor.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose and don’t feel sick, take your next dose when you’re meant to. If you miss your dose and feel sick, take the missed dose as soon as possible, then go back to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to.
Important: Never take more Ondansetron ODT VTRS than prescribed or more often than your doctor tells you.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- A sensation of warmth or flushing
- Mild stomach cramps
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Hiccups
- Dizziness or light-headed feeling
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Chest pain or tightness of chest
- Changes in heart rhythm (faster, slower, irregular, or throbbing)
- Disturbance in heart rhythm (sometimes causing sudden loss of consciousness)
- Low blood pressure
- Abnormal muscular body movements or shaking
- Involuntary upward movement of the eyes
- Unusual muscle tone causing body distortion
- Fits or convulsions
- Serotonin syndrome (confusion, sweating, unsteadiness, shaking, diarrhea)
- Severe skin reaction where top layer detaches from lower layers
- Allergic reactions (wheezing, lip/mouth swelling, breathing difficulty, hay fever, hives, fainting)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before taking Ondansetron ODT VTRS. Make sure to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Ondansetron ODT VTRS
Do not use if you are taking apomorphine (used to treat Parkinson’s disease) or if you are allergic to ondansetron or any of the ingredients listed. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives or other medicines; have or used to have liver problems; suffer from severe constipation or have a blockage in your gut; or have phenylketonuria, as Ondansetron ODT VTRS contains aspartame.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Ondansetron ODT VTRS if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor says you should. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may affect how Ondansetron ODT VTRS works. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking, including those bought without a prescription.
- Apomorphine (used to treat Parkinson’s disease) – do not use together
- Serotonergic drugs including certain antidepressants
- Opioid pain medicines such as tramadol and fentanyl
- Lithium
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery while taking Ondansetron ODT VTRS until you know how it affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Ondansetron ODT VTRS affects you.
Storage
Keep Ondansetron ODT VTRS in a cool, dry and dark place where it stays below 25°C. Keep the tablets in their pack until it’s time to take them – if taken out of their pack, they may not keep well. Store in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Ondansetron ODT VTRS, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Ondansetron ODT VTRS is not addictive.
If you vomit within one hour of taking your first dose, you should take the same dose again. If you continue to vomit, tell your doctor.
Peel back the foil top of the blister strip and gently remove the tablet. Do not push it through the foil as it’s fragile. Place it on top of your tongue where it will disappear quickly, then swallow normally.
Check with your doctor if you have phenylketonuria, as Ondansetron ODT VTRS contains aspartame.
If you miss your dose and don’t feel sick, take your next dose when scheduled. If you miss your dose and feel sick, take it as soon as possible unless it’s almost time for your next dose.
Do not take Ondansetron ODT VTRS if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor specifically says you should. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Serotonin syndrome can occur when Ondansetron ODT VTRS is taken with other serotonergic drugs like certain antidepressants or opioid pain medicines. Symptoms include confusion, sweating, unsteadiness, shaking, and diarrhea. Discuss with your doctor if you’re taking other medications.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.