Ondansetron (zofran)

INDEX Generic Name ondansetron

Peak

Trade Name Zofran

Onset

15-30 min rapid Why is your patient taking this medication?

NURS 2236 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheet (You will need to made additional copies of these forms) Classification Dose Route Time/Frequency antiemetics

Duration

4 mg

IV

Normal dosage range

q 4hr prn

Rate: administer over at least 30 seconds and preferably over 2-5 minutes

4mg

4-8 hr

Mechanism of action and indications prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or radiation. prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting (IV)

For IV meds, compatability with IV drips and/or solutions Compatability: cefazolin; droperidol; metoclopramide; promethazine Incompatability: None Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions hypersensitivity; liver impairment; abdominal surgery; pregnancy; lactation

Blocks the effects of serotonin at 5-HT3- receptor sites (selective antagonist) located in vagal nerve terminals and the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the CNS

Common side effects headache; dizziness; drowsiness; fatigue; weakness; constipation; diarrhea; abdominal pain; dry mouth; increased liver enzymes extrapyramidal reactions

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) drugs altering the activity of liver enzymes

Lab value alterations caused by medicine may increase serum bilrubin, AST, and ALT levels increased liver enzymes Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication call doctor is involuntary movement of eyes, face, or limbs occurs

Nursing Process - Assessment (Pre-administration assessment) nausea; vomiting; abdominal distention, and bowel sounds prior to and following administration involuntary movements, facial grimacing; rigidity; shuffling walk; trembling of hands

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this med? extrapyramidal effects (involuntary movements, facial grimacing, rigidity, shuffling walk, trembling of hands)

Evaluation Check after giving decreased incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting