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ondansetron (Zofran)
Ondansetron blocks serotonin (5-HT3) receptors on chemoreceptor trigger zone and vagal afferent nerves to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Ondansetron blocks serotonin (5-HT3) receptors on chemoreceptor trigger zone and vagal afferent nerves to prevent nausea and vomiting. Used for Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), Radiation-induced nausea and vomiting.
At a glance
| Generic name | ondansetron (Zofran) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Zofran, Ondem, Emeset |
| Sponsor | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) |
| Drug class | 5-HT3 receptor antagonist |
| Target | 5-HT3 receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology / Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ondansetron is a selective antagonist of serotonin 5-HT3 receptors, which are located in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and on vagal afferent fibers in the gastrointestinal tract. By blocking these receptors, it prevents the transmission of emetic signals to the vomiting center in the brain. This mechanism makes it particularly effective for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
Approved indications
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
- Radiation-induced nausea and vomiting
Common side effects
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Key clinical trials
- Phase I PK and Safety Study of Ondansetron Inhalation Powder (PHASE1)
- Ondansetron Lozenge Versus Intravenous for Prevention of Shivering in Tonsillectomy (NA)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Bupivacaine for Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Relieving Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery (NA)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Bupivacaine for Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Relieving Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery in Gynecologic Oncology (NA)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Bupivacaine in Relieving Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery (NA)
- Three Variants of the PENG Block With and Without Perineural Adjuvants in Older Adults (NA)
- Dexamethasone vs Ondansetron After Cesarean Delivery (PHASE4)
- Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Ondansetron in the Prevention of Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- ondansetron (Zofran) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- ondansetron (Zofran) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) portfolio CI