Zuplenz
Zuplenz is a brand-name prescription oral soluble film containing ondansetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. It dissolves rapidly on the tongue without the need for water, blocking serotonin both peripherally on vagal nerve terminals and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Dosage by Body Weight
Place the film on top of the tongue where it will dissolve in seconds, then swallow with saliva. Do not chew or swallow whole. For chemotherapy-induced nausea in adults, the typical dose is 8 mg to 24 mg daily. For post-operative nausea, the dose is typically 16 mg taken 1 hour prior to anesthesia. Pediatric dosing is approved for children 4 years and older, typically using a 4 mg film.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants or very low body weight patients.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Zuplenz films (4 mg and 8 mg) cannot be safely split to accommodate micro-dosing for this weight range.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Consult a pediatrician. Liquid generic formulations of ondansetron are preferred for precise weight-based dosing.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Consult physician
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- May be prescribed 4 mg if the child is 4 years of age or older. Do not cut the film.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 4 mg
- Frequency
- Every 8 to 12 hours as directed
- Tracking Notes
- Standard dose for children 4-11 years of age. Place one 4 mg film on the tongue and allow to dissolve.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants or very low body weight patients. |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Zuplenz films (4 mg and 8 mg) cannot be safely split to accommodate micro-dosing for this weight range. |
| 8-10 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Consult a pediatrician. Liquid generic formulations of ondansetron are preferred for precise weight-based dosing. |
| 11-15 kg | Consult physician | Use only if prescribed | May be prescribed 4 mg if the child is 4 years of age or older. Do not cut the film. |
| 16-20 kg | 4 mg | Every 8 to 12 hours as directed | Standard dose for children 4-11 years of age. Place one 4 mg film on the tongue and allow to dissolve. |
Formulation
Purpose
Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly or moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and post-operative 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.