Key takeaways
Barhemsys (amisulpride) and Zofran (ondansetron) are both medications used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Barhemsys is a dopamine antagonist available only as an injection, typically administered by a healthcare provider. It is specifically approved for use in adults who did not respond to other preventive medications. In contrast, Zofran is an antiemetic that works by blocking serotonin and is available in various forms, including oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and injections. Zofran is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While Barhemsys does not commonly cause sleepiness, Zofran can lead to fatigue and other side effects like headache and constipation. Additionally, Zofran has potential interactions with medications that affect serotonin levels, which can lead to serious conditions like serotonin syndrome. Zofran is available as a generic, making it a more cost-effective option, whereas Barhemsys only comes as a branded medication.
