Ondansetron is a medication primarily utilized to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. It belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in triggering the vomiting reflex. By inhibiting serotonin activity in the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, ondansetron effectively reduces the sensation of nausea and the urge to vomit. This makes it invaluable in managing the side effects of cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy, where nausea and vomiting can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and treatment adherence.

Moreover, ondansetron is also prescribed for the prevention and treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Following surgical procedures, patients may experience nausea and vomiting due to the effects of anesthesia and other factors. Ondansetron’s ability to prevent and alleviate these symptoms helps in promoting patient comfort and facilitating post-operative recovery. Additionally, it is sometimes used off-label to manage nausea and vomiting in other clinical scenarios, such as in pregnancy-related hyperemesis gravidarum or in the setting of gastroenteritis.