Zofran Melt (ondansetron) is an antiemetic medication most widely used to prevent nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It is also used to prevent vomiting following a surgical procedure, and less commonly---and often off-label---it may be used to address other vomiting disorders, such as cyclic vomiting syndrome.

Note that Zofran Melt (or any product containing ondansetron) has little effect on motion sickness. Effects on pregnant women are unclear; speaking with a doctor is advisable. Zofran Melt should not be taken if breast feeding.

The melt in this product's name indicates it is an orally-dissolving formula, designed to rapidly dissolve on the tongue. It is ideal for those unable or unwilling to swallow tablets.

How to Take Zofran Melt

Zofran Melt is only available in 4 mg or 8 mg strengths. Dosage ranges from 4 mg to 24 mg; 4 mg doses are typically reserved for children under 12 years of age, while 8 mg doses are typically for patients age 12 and up. Taking multiple lower-dose tablets at once is the same as taking a higher dose in a single tablet; for example, two 4 mg tablets is the same as one 8 mg tablet, or two 8 mg tablets is the same as one 16 mg tablet.

When possible Zofran Melt is administered before the patient starts to feel ill; before chemotherapy or radiation therapy begins, or before the surgical procedure. Treatment often continues after the procedure, sometimes for several days.

In some conditions---such as cyclic vomiting syndrome---it's not possible to start treatment beforehand, and there may be little warning before vomiting occurs. In these cases doctor instructions should be followed as closely as possible.

Standard guidelines for adults undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy:

• Take 8 mg Zofran Melt one to two hours prior to treatment.
• Take another 8 mg 12 hours after.
• Continue taking 8 mg every 12 hours for up to 5 more days, if needed.

In some cases Zofran Melt makes a difference but doesn't provide sufficient relief. In these cases the patient may try 16 mg or 24 mg doses instead of 8 mg.

For children under age 12 undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy:

• Take 4 mg Zofran Melt one to two hours prior to treatment.
• Take another 4 mg 12 hours after.
• Continue taking 4 mg every 12 hours for up to 5 more days, if needed.

It is exceptionally rare that child doses will be increased beyond 4 mg.

Adults undergoing surgery:

• Take 16 mg Zofran Melt one to two hours prior to surgery.
• Additional doses are often not needed, but if they are another 16 mg can be taken 12 hours later.

For surgery, children below 12 years of age are usually administered Zofran in an injection by a healthcare worker.

Zofran Melt tablets come individually packaged; do not remove a tablet from this packaging prior to administration. Doing so will cause its melt function to be less effective or destroyed.

Precautions & Side Effects

Zofran Melt is well-tolerated, with common side effects being very mild. They include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Fever
• Drowsiness

Rarely more serious side effects are experienced, which call for medical attention. These are more likely at higher doses. Speak with a doctor if experiencing:

• Blurred vision
• Vision loss (temporary)
• Slow, rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Decrease in urine
• Feeling like or passing out
• Difficulty breathing
• Shivering or tremor

Zofran Melt is associated with prolonged QT intervals, again particularly at higher doses. It is also more likely in patients with a history, including family history, of prolonged QT intervals, or in patients taking medications that prolong QT intervals. Be sure the prescribing physician knows of any history of prolonged QT intervals.

Zofran Melt can interact with a range of other medications, most notably:

• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Anti-malarials
• Antipsychotics
• Narcotics
• Seizure medications
• Migraine medications
• Other anti-nausea medications

The above is not a complete list of medications that can interact with Zofran Melt. While not all interactions are dangerous, they may decrease the effectiveness of one or more medications involved. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist if unsure of the safety of taking other medications with Zofran Melt.