Zofran
Zofran (ondansetron) is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. It works by blocking serotonin receptors both peripherally on vagal nerve terminals and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, effectively preventing and treating nausea and vomiting.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage depends on the clinical indication (chemotherapy, radiation, or post-operative recovery) and the patient's age and weight. Commonly administered 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy or 1 hour prior to anesthesia. Pediatric dosing is frequently calculated based on body weight or body surface area (BSA). Always follow specific provider instructions.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients in this weight range. Consultation with a pediatrician is required.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.8 mg to 1 mg (approx. 1 mL to 1.25 mL of 4 mg/5 mL liquid)
- Frequency
- Every 8 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Commonly dosed at 0.15 mg/kg per dose. Ensure accurate measurement using an oral syringe.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 1.2 mg to 1.5 mg (approx. 1.5 mL to 1.8 mL of 4 mg/5 mL liquid)
- Frequency
- Every 8 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed recommended frequency. Consult a healthcare provider before administering to young children.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 2 mg (2.5 mL of 4 mg/5 mL liquid or half of a 4 mg tablet/ODT)
- Frequency
- Every 8 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) must be dissolved on the tongue, not swallowed whole.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 2.5 mg to 3 mg (approx. 3.1 mL to 3.75 mL of 4 mg/5 mL liquid)
- Frequency
- Every 8 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed 4 mg per single dose unless explicitly directed by a pediatrician.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients in this weight range. Consultation with a pediatrician is required. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.8 mg to 1 mg (approx. 1 mL to 1.25 mL of 4 mg/5 mL liquid) | Every 8 hours as needed | Commonly dosed at 0.15 mg/kg per dose. Ensure accurate measurement using an oral syringe. |
| 8-10 kg | 1.2 mg to 1.5 mg (approx. 1.5 mL to 1.8 mL of 4 mg/5 mL liquid) | Every 8 hours as needed | Do not exceed recommended frequency. Consult a healthcare provider before administering to young children. |
| 11-15 kg | 2 mg (2.5 mL of 4 mg/5 mL liquid or half of a 4 mg tablet/ODT) | Every 8 hours as needed | Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) must be dissolved on the tongue, not swallowed whole. |
| 16-20 kg | 2.5 mg to 3 mg (approx. 3.1 mL to 3.75 mL of 4 mg/5 mL liquid) | Every 8 hours as needed | Do not exceed 4 mg per single dose unless explicitly directed by a pediatrician. |
Formulation
Purpose
Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and postoperative recovery.
Generic Name
OndansetronScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.