Comprehensive medication guide to Ondansetron including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
Most insurance plans cover generic Ondansetron as a Tier 1 preferred generic with copays ranging from $0 to $15.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Generic Ondansetron tablets typically cost between $4 and $25 for a supply of 12 to 30 tablets with a discount card, while brand-name Zofran can run $300 to $900 or more.
Medfinder Findability Score
75/100
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Ondansetron is a prescription antiemetic medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting. It is FDA-approved for nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery (postoperative nausea and vomiting). It is also widely prescribed off-label for morning sickness during pregnancy, gastroenteritis, and cyclic vomiting syndrome. Originally marketed under the brand name Zofran by GlaxoSmithKline, Ondansetron is now available as an affordable generic from multiple manufacturers including Teva, Mylan, Aurobindo, and Sandoz.
Ondansetron belongs to a class of drugs called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It works by selectively blocking serotonin 5-HT3 receptors in two key areas: the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the brain and the vagal nerve terminals in the gastrointestinal tract. By blocking these receptors, Ondansetron prevents nausea and vomiting signals from reaching the brain, providing effective relief without the heavy sedation associated with older antiemetic medications.
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Oral tablets
4 mg, 8 mg, 24 mg
Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT)
4 mg, 8 mg
Oral solution — solution
4 mg/5 mL
Injectable solution — solution
2 mg/mL (IV or IM)
Oral soluble film (Zuplenz)
4 mg, 8 mg
Ondansetron oral tablets and ODT are generally available at most pharmacies across the United States. However, the injectable (IV) formulation has experienced intermittent shortages since 2019 due to manufacturing delays and increased demand. Specific oral formulations like the ODT or certain strengths may occasionally have limited supply from particular manufacturers. With multiple generic manufacturers producing Ondansetron, prolonged shortages of the oral forms are uncommon. We give Ondansetron a findability score of 75 out of 100.
Ondansetron can be prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers. Oncologists commonly prescribe it for chemotherapy-induced nausea, while anesthesiologists use it to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting. Emergency medicine physicians, gastroenterologists, OB/GYNs (for pregnancy-related nausea), primary care doctors, internists, pediatricians, and surgeons all regularly prescribe Ondansetron. It is also available through telehealth consultations.
No, Ondansetron is not a controlled substance. It has no DEA scheduling and does not carry a risk of abuse or dependence. It can be prescribed and refilled without the restrictions that apply to controlled medications.
Serious but rare side effects include QT prolongation (a heart rhythm abnormality), serotonin syndrome when combined with serotonergic drugs, and severe allergic reactions. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or signs of an allergic reaction.
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Granisetron (Kytril)
Another 5-HT3 antagonist available in oral, IV, and transdermal patch forms
Palonosetron (Aloxi)
A longer-acting 5-HT3 antagonist preferred for delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea
Dolasetron (Anzemet)
A 5-HT3 antagonist available in oral form for chemotherapy-induced nausea
Promethazine (Phenergan)
A phenothiazine antiemetic with a different mechanism of action; more sedating but widely available
Prefer Ondansetron? We can find it.
Apomorphine
moderateContraindicated; risk of severe hypotension and loss of consciousness
Serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, Tramadol, Fentanyl, Lithium, MAOIs)
moderateIncreased risk of serotonin syndrome
QT-prolonging drugs (Amiodarone, Sotalol, Haloperidol, Methadone)
moderateAdditive cardiac risk
CYP3A4 inducers (Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Rifampin)
moderateMay decrease Ondansetron levels and reduce effectiveness
Tramadol
moderateOndansetron may reduce Tramadol's pain-relieving effects
Ondansetron is one of the most commonly prescribed antiemetic medications in the United States and is generally easy to find at most pharmacies. Generic versions are highly affordable, often costing under $15 with a discount card. While the injectable formulation has seen intermittent shortages, oral tablets and ODT forms remain widely stocked. If you are having trouble locating Ondansetron at your local pharmacy, Medfinder can help you search nearby pharmacies that have it in stock.
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