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Compare Diclegis vs. Zofran

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Diclegis (doxylamine/pyridoxine) and Zofran (ondansetron) are both medications used to treat nausea and vomiting, but they belong to different medication classes and have different uses. Diclegis is a combination of an antihistamine and a dietary supplement, specifically designed to treat morning sickness during pregnancy. It is taken orally, with a starting dose of 2 tablets at bedtime, and can be adjusted up to 4 tablets per day. Common side effects include sleepiness and dizziness. Zofran, on the other hand, is an antiemetic that blocks serotonin to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery or cancer treatments. It is available in various forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and injections. Zofran is typically taken every 8 to 12 hours, and its side effects can include headache, fatigue, and constipation. While Zofran can be used off-label for nausea during pregnancy, it is not FDA-approved for this purpose, and there are concerns about its safety for the baby. Both medications are available in generic form. However, Zofran has more potential drug interactions, especially with medications that affect serotonin levels or heart rhythm.

  • Diclegis (doxylamine / pyridoxine)
    Ondansetron (Zofran)
  • Diclegis (doxylamine / pyridoxine)
    Ondansetron (Zofran)

  • Summary of Diclegis vs. Zofran

    Summary for Antihistamine / Dietary supplement
    Prescription only

    Diclegis (doxylamine / pyridoxine) helps treat morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting that people experience during pregnancy. It's typically taken when changing your diet or avoiding nausea triggers isn't enough. This medication contains an antihistamine called doxylamine and a dietary supplement called pyridoxine (also known as vitamin B6). The dosage starts at 2 tablets taken by mouth at bedtime, but it can be adjusted if you need more relief. A common side effect is sleepiness. This medication has a brand-name and generic version.

    Summary for Antiemetic
    Prescription only

    Ondansetron (Zofran) is an antiemetic (or anti-nausea) medication. It's used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery or cancer treatments. It works by stopping a chemical called serotonin from binding to receptors in the brain that cause the feeling of nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron (Zofran) is taken by mouth, typically every 8 to 12 hours. It comes in different formulations, including orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) and oral solution. It can also be given as injection by a healthcare professional (HCP) in a hospital setting. Side effects of this medication include headache, tiredness, and constipation or diarrhea.

  • Indications of Diclegis vs. Zofran

    Indications for
    •Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting during pregnancy) when non-medication options haven't provided enough relief
    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery

  • Pros and Cons of Diclegis vs. Zofran

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine / Dietary supplement
    Pros
    •One of the few medications that's FDA approved for morning sickness during pregnancy
    •Combines two medications into one tablet for convenience
    •Dose can be adjusted based on response
    Cons
    •Dose ranges from 2 to 4 tablets per day, depending on your needs
    •Not for severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum)
    •Not known whether it works well or is safe for people under 18 years old
    Pros and Const for Antiemetic
    Pros
    •Can use for both adults and children
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as a liquid, dissolvable tablet, and injection for people who have problems swallowing pills or are too nauseous to keep medication down
    •Possible option during pregnancy and breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times daily
    •Might cause headache
    •Can interact with certain medications, like antidepressants and migraine medications
    •Not the best option for people who are at risk for stomach or gut blockages (bowel problems)

  • Common Side Effects of Diclegis vs. Zofran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (14%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 24%)
    •Fatigue (up to 13%)
    •Constipation (up to 9%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)

  • Warnings of Diclegis vs. Zofran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Worsening of certain other medical conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of heart attack
    •Masking of gut blockage and stomach bloating
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Diclegis vs. Zofran

    Learn more about Diclegis
    Learn more about Ondansetron

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