Ondansetron

Diagram of the molecular structure of Ondansetron
Brand name: Zofran®
IUPAC: 9-methyl-3-[(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)methyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-carbazol-4-one
FDA approval: Yes
Manufacturer Link
Usage:

Ondansetron (Zofran®) is used to the prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy and some radiation schedules. Ondansetron is administered in pill form, as an oral solution or as in injection.1

  • 1Odansetron. MedlinePlus. 2016. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601209.html
Mechanism:

Odansetron (also called Ratio-ondansetron) works by blocking the reception of serotonin at 5-HT3 receptors which initiate the vomiting reflex that is often associated with chemotherapy treatment.1

The diagram above shows the 3D molecular structure of Ondansetron. 

 

  • 1Odansetron. MedlinePlus. 2016. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601209.html
Side effects:

Headache, constipation or diarrhea and weakness are the most common adverse effects associated with the use of Zofran® though it is not clear if these effects are properties of this drug or the chemotherapy drugs that are taken concurrently (at the same time).1

  • 1Odansetron. MedlinePlus. 2016. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601209.html