Zofran Side Effects

Although most people tolerate Zofran well, there are some potential side effects of the medication. In many cases, Zofran side effects are minor and may be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Some of the most common Zofran side effects include headaches, fatigue, and constipation. There are also several side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider, such as chest pain, an unexplained skin rash, or tremors.

 

Zofran Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Zofran® (ondansetron hydrochloride). However, not everyone who takes this drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Zofran well. When people do develop Zofran side effects, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(The Zofran side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with this drug. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Zofran side effects with you.)
 

Common Zofran Side Effects

Zofran has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects occurring in the group of people taking the drug are always documented and are then compared to the side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common Zofran side effects include:
 
  • Headache -- occurring in up to 27 percent of people
  • Tiredness (fatigue) or a general ill feeling -- in up to 13 percent
  • Constipation -- in up to 9 percent (see Zofran and Constipation)
  • Low oxygen levels (when used for surgery) -- in up to 9 percent
  • Fever -- in up to 8 percent
  • Diarrhea -- in up to 7 percent
  • Gynecological disorders (problems with the female reproductive system) -- in up to 7 percent
  • Anxiety or agitation -- in up to 6 percent
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder (urinary retention) -- in up to 5 percent
  • Itching -- in up to 5 percent
  • Dizziness -- in up to 5 percent.
     
Zofran works by blocking serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a chemical that is also important in depression. However, Zofran works on different receptors than for depression, which explains why depression is not a side effect of Zofran.
 
(Click Zofran and Depression for more information about the relationship between Zofran and depression.)
 
(Zofran Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;