Ondansetron Side Effects and Considerations

Gastrointestinal and Cardiovascular Effects

• The American Gastroenterological Association recommends ondansetron for nausea and vomiting in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, but constipation is a common side effect 1
• The American College of Gastroenterology suggests that ondansetron may be used as a second-line therapy for hyperemesis gravidarum, but some studies have reported cases of congenital heart defects when used in the first trimester 2

Pediatric Considerations

• The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends ondansetron in children over 4 years old with acute gastroenteritis to facilitate oral rehydration, though it may increase stool volume 3