Your cat has been prescribed ondansetron for management of vomiting which cannot be controlled by other means, particularly when associated with the use of chemotherapy drugs.

ℹ️Key points:
• 5-HT receptor agonist.
• Has action both directly on the gastrointestinal tract and also on the brain to reduce nausea.
• Do not use in animals with intestinal obstruction.
• Use with care in pregnant or lactating animals.

Name

• Ondansetron (on-dan-za-tron).

Brand name

• There is no product licensed for use in cats and dogs but human drugs can be given with special consent.
• Setofilm® (UK).
• Zofran® (UK and US).
• Zuplenz® (US)

Class of medication

• 5-HT receptor agonist.

Storage

• Store at room temperature (15-30°C).
• Store away from heat, moisture and sunlight.

Your veterinarian has prescribed ondansetron to help in the management of vomiting that cannot be controlled by other means.

The product is available as tablets or liquid can be given by mouth. It can be given with or without food but if vomiting occurs when given on an empty stomach use with food. There is an injectable form which can be given by veterinarians.

The following side-effects have been reported:

• Constipation
• Headaches – reported in humans
• Rarely abnormal heart rhythms and low blood pressure reported
• Rarely dizziness, abnormal movements.

• May reduce effectiveness of tramadol – so does may need to be increased if used together
• Apomorphine can cause loss of consciousness and profound sedation
• Chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and cyclophosphamide
• Serotoninergic drugs such as antidepressants
• Some heart tablets
• Phenytoin increases removal of ondansetron and reduces effect.

Ondansetron should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. If no improvement is seen within a few hours, your veterinarian may recommend a different course of therapy. You should never change or stop any treatment without consulting your veterinarian.

Dispose of any unused ondansetron safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save for future use or give to other pets.

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Ondansetron should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:

• Do not give to other pets in the household
• If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Your veterinarian will want to make regular checks on your pet if they are receiving any long term therapy to ensure the drugs they are receiving are effective and to adjust the doses if necessary. Ongoing management of the underlying disorder may be needed.

Further information

Europe & UK

• No licensed products for cats or dogs.
• Zofran (4 mg, 8 mg tablets; 4 mg/5 ml oral solution): https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020103s035_020605s019_020781s019lbl.pdf.
• Setofilm (4 mg soluble film): https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9595/smpc.
• Ondansetron (4 mg coated tablets): https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5222/smpc.

USA

• No licensed product for cats or dogs.
• Zofran (4 mg, 8 mg tablets; 4 mg/5 ml oral solution): https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020103s035_020605s019_020781s019lbl.pdf.
• Zuplenz (4 mg, 8 mg soluble film): https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/022524s002lbl.pdf.