Ondansetron VTRS (Ondansetron Hydrochloride Dihydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ondansetron VTRS Used For?
Ondansetron VTRS is a medication that helps prevent nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting that can happen after medical treatments and operations.
Primary Uses
This medication is specifically used to help stop nausea and vomiting that occurs after medical treatments and operations. It should only be used to treat the nausea and vomiting for which it has been prescribed.
How It Works
Ondansetron VTRS belongs to a group of medicines called serotonin receptor-3 antagonists, which work by blocking certain receptors that trigger nausea and vomiting.
Good to know: Ondansetron VTRS is not addictive.
How to Take Ondansetron VTRS
Take Ondansetron VTRS exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Swallow each tablet whole with water – do not crush the tablet.
Dosage Instructions
Do not take more tablets than your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Do not take the tablets more often than prescribed. If you vomit within one hour of taking your first tablet of each prescribed course, take the same dose again. If you continue to vomit, contact your doctor.
What If You Miss a Dose?
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 the missed dose as soon as possible, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled.
Important: Never take more tablets than prescribed and do not stop taking this medicine or change the dose without checking with your doctor first.
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
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Wheezy symptoms
- Chest pain or tightness
- Changes in heart rhythm (faster, slower, irregular, or throbbing)
- Sudden loss of consciousness due to heart rhythm disturbance
- Serotonin syndrome (confusion, sweating, unsteadiness, shaking, diarrhea)
- Severe skin reaction where top layer detaches
- Low blood pressure
- Fits or convulsions
- Swelling of eyelids, face, lips, mouth or throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Skin rash, skin lumps or hives
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before taking Ondansetron VTRS. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Ondansetron VTRS
Do not take this medication if you are taking apomorphine (used to treat Parkinson’s disease) or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ondansetron or any ingredients in the tablets.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives or other medicines; have had to stop taking another nausea/vomiting medicine; are taking any other medicines including over-the-counter ones; have or used to have liver problems.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Ondansetron VTRS if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding unless your doctor says it is safe. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Ondansetron VTRS and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.
- Apomorphine (used to treat Parkinson’s disease) – do not take together
- Serotonergic drugs including certain antidepressants
- Opioid pain medicines such as tramadol and fentanyl
- Lithium
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery while taking Ondansetron VTRS until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Ondansetron VTRS affects you.
Temperature Regulation
No temperature regulation warnings mentioned in the source material.
Storage
Keep Ondansetron VTRS in their blister pack until time to take. Store in a cool, dry place where it stays below 25°C, 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 taken too much Ondansetron 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 VTRS is not addictive.
If you vomit within one hour of taking your first Ondansetron VTRS tablet of each prescribed course, you should take the same dose again. If you continue to vomit, tell your doctor.
No, do not crush the tablets. Swallow each tablet whole with water. If you have trouble swallowing your tablet, please tell your doctor.
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 the missed dose as soon as possible, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Do not take Ondansetron VTRS if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding unless your doctor says it is safe. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Serotonin syndrome can occur when Ondansetron VTRS is taken with other serotonergic drugs. Symptoms include confusion, sweating, unsteadiness, shaking, and diarrhea. Call your doctor straight away if you experience these symptoms.
Keep Ondansetron VTRS in their blister pack until time to take. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
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.