Brand Names and Other Names of Ondansetron
What is ondansetron?
Ondansetron (brand names: Zofran®, Zuplenz®) is an antiemetic used to treat severe nausea and vomiting in dogs and cats.
Its use in cats and dogs to treat vomiting is off label or extra label. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their direction may be significantly different from those on the label.
Ondansetron is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid, and it may be given with or without food. If vomiting occurs when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food or a treat. Liquids should be measured carefully. Some tablets are dissolvable, so be sure your hands are dry before handling these tablets.
Ondansetron can also be compounded into a topical gel, and gloves must be worn when applying this topical gel. In the hospital setting, it is also administered via injectable liquid and given in the vein, muscle, or under the skin.
This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement in clinical signs should follow.
Can I give my dog human anti nausea medicine?
Dramamine. Just like humans, dogs get motion sickness. Dogs prone to car sickness or other bouts of nausea can safely take Dramamine, but beware that it may cause your dog to become very sleepy.