MedPath
FDA Approval

Ondansetron

FDA-approved pharmaceutical product with comprehensive regulatory information, manufacturing details, and complete labeling documentation.

FDA Approval Summary

Company
Effective Date
September 26, 2023
Labeling Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL
Ondansetron(8 mg in 1 1)

Registrants1

Companies and organizations registered with the FDA for this drug approval, including their contact information and regulatory details.

PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

156893695

Manufacturing Establishments1

FDA-registered manufacturing facilities and establishments involved in the production, packaging, or distribution of this drug product.

PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

156893695

Products1

Detailed information about drug products covered under this FDA approval, including NDC codes, dosage forms, ingredients, and administration routes.

Ondansetron

Product Details

NDC Product Code
43063-273
Application Number
ANDA078152
Marketing Category
ANDA (C73584)
Route of Administration
ORAL
Effective Date
September 26, 2023
CROSPOVIDONE (120 .MU.M)Inactive
Code: 68401960MKClass: IACT
SILICON DIOXIDEInactive
Code: ETJ7Z6XBU4Class: IACT
ASPARTAMEInactive
Code: Z0H242BBR1Class: IACT
MAGNESIUM STEARATEInactive
Code: 70097M6I30Class: IACT
MANNITOLInactive
Code: 3OWL53L36AClass: IACT
SODIUM STEARYL FUMARATEInactive
Code: 7CV7WJK4UIClass: IACT
Code: 4AF302ESOSClass: ACTIBQuantity: 8 mg in 1 1

Drug Labeling Information

Complete FDA-approved labeling information including indications, dosage, warnings, contraindications, and other essential prescribing details.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION

Highlight: * See full prescribing information for the recommended dosage in adults and pediatrics. ( 2)

  • Patients with severe hepatic impairment: do not exceed a total daily dose of 8 mg. ( 2.2, 8.6)

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Dosage

The recommended dosage regimens for adult and pediatric patients are described in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively.

Corresponding doses of ondansetron tablets, and ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets may be used interchangeably.

Table 1: Adult Recommended Dosage Regimen for Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting

Indication

Dosage Regimen

Highly

Emetogenic

Cancer Chemotherapy

A single 24-mg dose administered 30 minutes before the start of single-day highly emetogenic chemotherapy, including cisplatin greater than or equal to 50 mg/m 2.

Moderately Emetogenic

Cancer Chemotherapy

8 mg administered 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy, with a subsequent 8-mg dose 8 hours after the first dose.

Then administer 8 mg twice a day (every 12 hours) for 1 to 2 days after completion of chemotherapy.

Radiotherapy

For total body irradiation: 8 mg administered 1 to 2 hours before each fraction of radiotherapy each day.

For single high-dose fraction radiotherapy to the abdomen: 8 mg administered 1 to 2 hours before radiotherapy, with subsequent 8-mg doses every 8 hours after the first dose for 1 to 2 days after completion of radiotherapy.

For daily fractionated radiotherapy to the abdomen: 8 mg administered 1 to 2 hours before radiotherapy, with subsequent 8-mg doses every 8 hours after the first dose for each day radiotherapy is given.

Postoperative

16 mg administered 1 hour before induction of anesthesia.

Table 2: Pediatric Recommended Dosage Regimen for Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting

Indication

Dosage Regimen

Moderately Emetogenic Cancer Chemotherapy

12 to 17 years of age: 8 mg administered 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy, with a subsequent 8-mg dose 8 hours after the first dose.

Then administer 8 mg twice a day (every 12 hours) for 1 to 2 days after completion of chemotherapy.

4 to 11 years of age: 4 mg administered 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy, with a subsequent 4-mg dose 4 and 8 hours after the first dose.

Then administer 4 mg three times a day for 1 to 2 days after completion of chemotherapy.

2.2 Dosage in Hepatic Impairment

In patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score of 10 or greater), do not exceed a total daily dose of 8 mg [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)] .

2.3 Administration Instructions for Ondansetron Orally Disintegrating

Tablets

Do not attempt to push ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets through the foil backing. With dry hands, PEEL BACK the foil backing of 1 blister and GENTLY remove the tablet. IMMEDIATELY place the ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet on top of the tongue where it will dissolve in seconds, then swallow with saliva. Administration with liquid is not necessary.


WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION

Highlight: * Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis and Bronchospasm: Discontinue ondansetron if suspected. Monitor and treat promptly per standard of care until signs and symptoms resolve. ( 5.1)

  • QT Interval Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes: Avoid in patients with congenital long QT syndrome; monitor with electrocardiograms (ECGs) if concomitant electrolyte abnormalities, cardiac failure or arrhythmias, or use of other QT prolonging drugs. ( 5.2)
  • Serotonin Syndrome: Reported with 5-HT3 receptor antagonists alone but particularly with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs. If such symptoms occur, discontinue ondansetron and initiate supportive treatment. If concomitant use of ondansetron with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, patients should be made aware of a potential increased risk for serotonin syndrome. ( 5.3)
  • Myocardial Ischemia: Monitor or advise patients for signs and symptoms of myocardial ischemia after oral administration. ( 5.4)
  • Masking of Progressive Ileus and/or Gastric Distension Following Abdominal Surgery or Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Monitor for decreased bowel activity, particularly in patients with risk factors for gastrointestinal obstruction. ( 5.5)
  • Phenylketonuria: Patients should be informed that ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine (a component of aspartame). Each 4-mg and 8-mg orally disintegrating tablet contains 1.5 mg and 3 mg of phenylalanine, respectively. ( 5.6)

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and bronchospasm, have been reported in patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity to other selective 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue use of ondansetron; treat promptly per standard of care and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve [see Contraindications ( 4)].

5.2 QT Prolongation

Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, including QT interval prolongation have been seen in patients receiving ondansetron. In addition, postmarketing cases of Torsade de Pointes have been reported in patients using ondansetron. Avoid ondansetron in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. ECG monitoring is recommended in patients with electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia), congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, or patients taking other medicinal products that lead to QT prolongation [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2)].

5.3 Serotonin Syndrome

The development of serotonin syndrome has been reported with 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists alone. Most reports have been associated with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, mirtazapine, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, and intravenous methylene blue). Some of the reported cases were fatal. Serotonin syndrome occurring with overdose of ondansetron alone has also been reported. The majority of reports of serotonin syndrome related to 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist use occurred in a post-anesthesia care unit or an infusion center.

Symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome may include the following combination of signs and symptoms: mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, with or without gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Patients should be monitored for the emergence of serotonin syndrome, especially with concomitant use of ondansetron and other serotonergic drugs. If symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, discontinue ondansetron and initiate supportive treatment. Patients should be informed of the increased risk of serotonin syndrome, especially if ondansetron is used concomitantly with other serotonergic drugs [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1), Overdosage ( 10)] .

5.4 Myocardial Ischemia

Myocardial ischemia has been reported in patients treated with ondansetron. In some cases, predominantly during intravenous administration, the symptoms appeared immediately after administration but resolved with prompt treatment. Coronary artery spasm appears to be the most common underlying cause. Therefore, monitor or advise patients for signs or symptoms of myocardial ischemia after oral administration of ondansetron [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2)] .

5.5 Masking of Progressive Ileus and Gastric Distension

The use of ondansetron in patients following abdominal surgery or in patients with chemotherapy‑induced nausea and vomiting may mask a progressive ileus and/or gastric distension. Monitor for decreased bowel activity, particularly in patients with risk factors for gastrointestinal obstruction.

Ondansetron is not a drug that stimulates gastric or intestinal peristalsis. It should not be used instead of nasogastric suction.

5.6 Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuric patients should be informed that ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine (a component of aspartame). Each 4-mg and 8-mg orally disintegrating tablet contains 1.5 mg and 3 mg of phenylalanine, respectively.


DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

7.1 Serotonergic Drugs

Serotonin syndrome (including altered mental status, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular symptoms) has been described following the concomitant use of 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists and other serotonergic drugs, including SSRIs and SNRIs. Monitor for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. If symptoms occur, discontinue ondansetron and initiate supportive treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3)] .

7.2 Drugs Affecting Cytochrome P-450 Enzymes

Ondansetron does not itself appear to induce or inhibit the cytochrome P‑450 drug‑metabolizing enzyme system of the liver [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)] . Because ondansetron is metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P‑450 drug‑metabolizing enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP1A2), inducers or inhibitors of these enzymes may change the clearance and, hence, the half‑life of ondansetron. In patients treated with potent inducers of CYP3A4 (i.e., phenytoin, carbamazepine, and rifampin), the clearance of ondansetron was significantly increased and ondansetron blood concentrations were decreased. However, on the basis of available data, no dosage adjustment for ondansetron is recommended for patients on these drugs [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)] .

7.3 Tramadol

Although no pharmacokinetic drug interaction between ondansetron and tramadol has been observed, data from 2 small trials indicate that when used together, ondansetron may increase patient-controlled administration of tramadol. Monitor patients to ensure adequate pain control when ondansetron is administered with tramadol.

7.4 Chemotherapy

Carmustine, etoposide, and cisplatin do not affect the pharmacokinetics of ondansetron.

In a crossover trial in 76 pediatric patients, intravenous ondansetron did not increase systemic concentrations of high-dose methotrexate.

7.5 Alfentanil and Atracurium

Ondansetron does not alter the respiratory depressant effects produced by alfentanil or the degree of neuromuscular blockade produced by atracurium. Interactions with general or local anesthetics have not been studied.


ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION

Highlight: The most common adverse reactions in adults for the:

  • prevention of chemotherapy-induced (≥5%) are: headache, malaise/fatigue, constipation, diarrhea. ( 6.1)
  • prevention of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (≥2%) are: headache, constipation, and diarrhea. ( 6.1)
  • prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (≥9%) are: headache and hypoxia. ( 6.1)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA at 1 (888) 721-7115 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

  • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1)]
  • QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2)]
  • Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3)]
  • Myocardial Ischemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4)]
  • Masking of Progressive Ileus and Gastric Distension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5)]

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The following adverse reactions have been reported in clinical trials of patients treated with ondansetron, the active ingredient of ondansetron. A causal relationship to therapy with ondansetron was unclear in many cases.

Prevention of Chemotherapy‑ Induced Nausea and Vomiting

The most common adverse reactions reported in greater than or equal to 4% of 300 adults receiving a single 24-mg dose of ondansetron orally in 2 trials for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic chemotherapy (cisplatin greater than or equal to 50 mg/m 2) were: headache (11%) and diarrhea (4%).

The most common adverse reactions reported in 4 trials in adults for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (primarily cyclophosphamide-based regimens) are shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Most Common Adverse Reactions in Adults a for the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting Associated With Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy [Primarily Cyclophosphamide-based Regimens]

Adverse Reaction

Ondansetron 8 mg Twice Daily

(n = 242)

Placebo

(n = 262)

Headache

58 (24%)

34 (13%)

Malaise/Fatigue

32 (13%)

6 (2%)

Constipation

22 (9%)

1 (<1%)

Diarrhea

15 (6%)

10 (4%)

a Reported in greater than or equal to 5% of patients treated with ondansetron and at a rate that exceeded placebo.

Less Common Adverse Reactions

Central Nervous System: Extrapyramidal reactions (less than 1% of patients).

Hepatic: Aspartate transaminase (AST) and/or alanine transaminase (ALT) values exceeded twice the upper limit of normal in approximately 1% to 2% of 723 patients receiving ondansetron and cyclophosphamide‑based chemotherapy in US clinical trials. The increases were transient and did not appear to be related to dose or duration of therapy. On repeat exposure, similar transient elevations in transaminase values occurred in some courses, but symptomatic hepatic disease did not occur. The role of cancer chemotherapy in these biochemical changes is unclear.

Liver failure and death has been reported in cancer patients receiving concurrent medications, including potentially hepatotoxic cytotoxic chemotherapy and antibiotics. The etiology of the liver failure is unclear.

Integumentary: Rash (approximately 1% of patients).

Other (less than 2%): Anaphylaxis, bronchospasm, tachycardia, angina, hypokalemia, electrocardiographic alterations, vascular occlusive events, and grand mal seizures. Except for bronchospasm and anaphylaxis, the relationship to ondansetron is unclear.

Prevention of Radiation‑ Induced Nausea and Vomiting

The most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 2%) reported in patients receiving ondansetron and concurrent radiotherapy were similar to those reported in patients receiving ondansetron and concurrent chemotherapy and were headache, constipation, and diarrhea.

Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and/or Vomiting

The most common adverse reactions reported in adults in trial(s) of prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting are shown in Table 4. In these trial(s), patients were receiving multiple concomitant perioperative and postoperative medications in both treatment groups.

Table 4: Most Common Adverse Reactions in Adults a for the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Adverse Reaction

Ondansetron 16 mg as a Single Dose

(n = 550)

Placebo

(n = 531)

Headache

49 (9%)

27 (5%)

Hypoxia

49 (9%)

35 (7%)

Pyrexia

45 (8%)

34 (6%)

Dizziness

36 (7%)

34 (6%)

Gynecological disorder

36 (7%)

33 (6%)

Anxiety/Agitation

33 (6%)

29 (5%)

Urinary retention

28 (5%)

18 (3%)

Pruritus

27 (5%)

20 (4%)

  • a Reported in greater than or equal to 5% of patients treated with ondansetron and at a rate that exceeded placebo.

In a crossover study with 25 subjects, headache was reported in 6 subjects administered ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets with water (24%) as compared with 2 subjects administered ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets without water (8%).

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of ondansetron. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Cardiovascular

Arrhythmias (including ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions, and atrial fibrillation), bradycardia, electrocardiographic alterations (including second‑degree heart block, QT/QTc interval prolongation, and ST segment depression), palpitations, and syncope. Rarely and predominantly with intravenous ondansetron, transient ECG changes, including QT interval prolongation have been reported.

Myocardial ischemia was reported predominately with intravenous administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] .

General

Flushing: Rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions, sometimes severe (e.g., anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, shortness of breath, hypotension, laryngeal edema, stridor) have also been reported. Laryngospasm, shock, and cardiopulmonary arrest have occurred during allergic reactions in patients receiving injectable ondansetron.

Hepatobiliary

Liver enzyme abnormalities.

Lower Respiratory

Hiccups.

Neurology

Oculogyric crisis, appearing alone, as well as with other dystonic reactions.

Skin

Urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Eye Disorders

Cases of transient blindness, predominantly during intravenous administration, have been reported. These cases of transient blindness were reported to resolve within a few minutes up to 48 hours.


NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY SECTION

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenic effects were not seen in 2-year studies in rats and mice with oral ondansetron doses up to 10 mg/kg per day and 30 mg/kg per day, respectively (approximately 4 and 6 times the maximum recommended human oral dose of 24 mg per day, based on BSA).

Ondansetron was not mutagenic in standard tests for mutagenicity.

Oral administration of ondansetron up to 15 mg/kg per day (approximately 6 times the maximum recommended human oral dose of 24 mg per day, based on BSA) did not affect fertility or general reproductive performance of male and female rats.


INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Inform patients that ondansetron may cause hypersensitivity reactions, some as severe as anaphylaxis and bronchospasm. Instruct patients to immediately report any signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions, including fever, chills, rash, or breathing problems to their healthcare provider [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1) ].

QT Prolongation

Inform patients that ondansetron may cause serious cardiac arrhythmias, such as QT prolongation. Instruct patients to tell their healthcare provider right away if they perceive a change in their heart rate, if they feel lightheaded, or if they have a syncopal episode [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2) ].

Drug Interactions

  • Instruct the patient to report the use of all medications, especially apomorphine, to their healthcare provider. Concomitant use of apomorphine and ondansetron may cause a significant drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.
  • Advise patients of the possibility of serotonin syndrome with concomitant use of ondansetron and another serotonergic agent, such as medications to treat depression and migraines. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if the following symptoms occur: changes in mental status, autonomic instability, neuromuscular symptoms with or without gastrointestinal symptoms [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3) ].

Myocardial Ischemia

Inform patients that ondansetron may cause myocardial ischemia. Advise patients to seek immediate medical help if any symptoms suggestive of a myocardial ischemia occur, such as sudden chest pain or chest tightness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] .

Masking of Progressive Ileus and Gastric Distension

Inform patients following abdominal surgery or those with chemotherapy‑induced nausea and vomiting that ondansetron may mask signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction. Instruct patients to immediately report any signs or symptoms consistent with a potential bowel obstruction to their healthcare provider [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5) ].

Administration of Ondansetron Orally Disintegrating Tablets

Instruct patients not to remove ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets from the blister until just prior to dosing.

  • Do not attempt to push ondansetron orally disintegrating tablets through the foil backing.
  • With dry hands, peel back the foil backing of 1 blister and gently remove the tablet.
  • Immediately place the ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet on top of the tongue where it will dissolve in seconds, then swallow with saliva.
  • Administration with liquid is not necessary.
  • Peelable illustrated stickers are affixed to the product carton that can be provided with the prescription to ensure proper use and handling of the product.

Manufactured by:

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited
India

Manufactured for:

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA
Mahwah, NJ 07430

Questions? 1 (888) 721-7115

www.glenmarkpharma-us.com

  • November 2021

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath