Ondansetron was the initial 5-HT3 antagonist, introduced by Glaxo in 1984. Its efficiency was first checked in animal models. After long and extensive research was approved by FDA in 1991. It is widely available and is used extensively in almost all big countries around the world.
Ondansetron is available in three forms: a tablet, a disintegrating pill, and a solution. Its intravenous form is only given by healthcare experts. A patient may inquire:
What happens if you swallow Ondansetron? These pills quickly melt on top of the tongue and doctors suggested ingesting them when diluted with saliva. Never engulf with water a full tablet, it will be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and appropriate results are not found
As of 2008 Ondansetron and granisetron are the only 5-HT3 antagonists present as Generic drugs in the United State. It should be taken when the doctor prescribes it.
Let’s see its method of intake and cure.
What Happens If You Swallow Ondansetron
Ondansetron is a medicine used to stop nausea and vomiting. This is especially recommended by doctors after chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
It worked by stopping the body‘s natural substance serotonin which produces symptoms of vomiting. Serotonin is a chemical messenger which is for mood stabilizers.
Unlike other tablets, it should not be swallowed or chewed. It keeps on the tongue and leaves it there to dissolve. When mixed with saliva, swallow it with saliva. Don’t use water because it produces headaches.
What Is the Accurate Method to Take This Tablet
Ondansetron is prescribed by the doctor before 30 minutes of chemotherapy or radiation treatment in cancer patients. It is specially designed to stop nausea and vomiting
Before you take it, wash and dry your hands. This medication is found in a bottle or blister packing. Skin back the foil on the blister pack to remove a tablet. Do not force the pill through the foil.
As soon as you remove the pill, place it on the top of your tongue. Wait until the whole pill dissolves completely then devour it with the saliva.
Before radiation, take it 1 to 2 hours before starting treatment.
In case of surgery take it 1 hour before the start.
This medicine can be taken three times a day for 1 to 2 days. If you take it according to the prescribed timetable, take it at the same time each day.
What Happens If You Swallow Ondansetron Whole
Ondansetron belongs to the family of 5-HT3 antagonists. It is better to melt it on your tongue.
But if you accidentally swallow the whole tablet it may cause a headache. It is still effective, medication will be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
If you experience that the condition of nauseous does not disappear after two hours you are free to take its second dose correctly.
What Happens If You Swallow Ondansetron ODT
Ondansetron ODT or Zofran ODT tablets are slightly different from common ondansetron tablets. These are the freeze-dried, orally administered formulations of ondansetron. These pills melt on the top of the tongue and do not need water for intake.
It should not be munched or engulfed as a whole because most of its contents are absorbed in the gut. So, you get fewer medical benefits.
Will Ondansetron Work If Swallow
Quickly melted tablets offer easier compliance for those patients who don’t have an easy reach of the water. It also comforts older people and small kids who feel trouble swallowing pills.
It works by blocking the body’s natural serotonin which produces vomiting. This medicine is recommended in less quantity for better functioning. If you swallow as a whole most part is absorbed in the alimentary canal so less available for the target
So it still works but not in a proper way. If signs of vomiting are consistent, take a second dose properly. The quick dissolve medication market grew from $1.5 billion to$ 5 billion during the last 16 years. This indicates its popularity.
What If I Swallow Ondansetron
Ondansetron is highly recommended before cancer therapy and after surgery to avoid nausea and vomiting. Like many medicines, it has the proper procedure for intake. Suppose if you forgot its proper instruction some side effects occur. These side effects are:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
Remember it is not sedative so do not produce sedation.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Zofran ODT (Overdose)
All the medication should be according to doctor advice but some accidental Zofran overdoses have been noted in children. These signs were compatible with serotonin syndrome
These symptoms are:
- Drowsiness
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Unusual red skin
- Agitation
Only one case in adults is reported with signs of low blood pressure and feeling pale.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs)
How long do ondansetron side effects last?
Zofran shows some visible side effects like headache, constipation, and diarrhea but these will disappear when the drug is discontinued. These side effects last for 3 to 4 hours in healthy adults but maybe 6 to 8 hours in weak and old
Can I Take Ondansetron Twice a Day?
If you want to be safe from delayed or lengthy emesis after the first 24 hours, oral treatment with Zofran may be used for 5 days. The suggested dose for oral administration is 8 mg twice a day. But you should take it by talking with your doctor must.
What Drugs Should Not be Taken with Zofran ODT?
Sometimes two opposite drugs have drastic effects on health. So, you should avoid combining these drugs in the case of Zafron or ondansetron ODT. Apokyn(apomorphine) is recommended for advanced Parkinson’s disease. Any drug that raises serotonin levels in your body.
Bottom Lines
The use of everything has its own protocol. You can not take drinks with a fork and not take foodstuff like tea or coffee. Similarly, if a company introduces a drug to quickly melt on the tongue should not swallow as a whole.
Ondansetron is prescribed for the cure of vomiting in cancer patients before the treatment of radiation or chemotherapy. These drugs are advised to be taken on the tongue and diluted with saliva and then ingest. If you take it as a whole with water it may lead to headache and drowsiness.
So it is much better to follow the doctor’s suggestion to get benefits otherwise its side effects may disturb you.