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Compare Tigan vs. Zofran

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

Key takeaways

Trimethobenzamide (Tigan) and ondansetron (Zofran) are both antiemetic medications used to treat nausea and vomiting. They are similar in that they can both be used to manage nausea and vomiting after surgery. However, they differ in several ways. Trimethobenzamide is specifically FDA-approved for nausea and vomiting related to the stomach flu (gastroenteritis) or surgery, while ondansetron is approved for preventing nausea and vomiting from cancer treatments and surgery. Trimethobenzamide is available as a generic oral capsule and a brand-only intramuscular injection, whereas ondansetron is available in various forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral solution, and injections. Trimethobenzamide is typically taken 3 to 4 times a day, while ondansetron is taken every 8 to 12 hours. Common side effects of trimethobenzamide include drowsiness, headache, and diarrhea, while ondansetron may cause headache, fatigue, and constipation. Also, ondansetron can interact with medications that affect serotonin levels, which is not a concern with trimethobenzamide.

  • Tigan (trimethobenzamide)
    Ondansetron (Zofran)
  • Tigan (trimethobenzamide)
    Ondansetron (Zofran)

  • Summary of Tigan vs. Zofran

    Summary for Antiemetic
    Prescription only

    Tigan (trimethobenzamide) is an antiemetic that's used to treat nausea and vomiting from a stomach flu or nausea and vomiting that happens after surgery. This medication is approved for use in adults only. It's available as a generic capsule that's taken by mouth 3 or 4 times a day. It's also available as a brand-only injection, and the dosage depends on how bad your symptoms are and your response to the medication. Potential side effects include diarrhea, drowsiness, and headache.

    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 Tigan vs. Zofran

    Indications for
    •Nausea and vomiting related to the stomach flu or surgery
    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 Tigan vs. Zofran

    Pros and Const for Antiemetic
    Pros
    •Capsules are available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can take with or without food
    •Starts to work within 10 to 40 minutes
    Cons
    •Might not be a safe option for people with liver problems
    •Need to take multiple times a day
    •Not well-studied in children
    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 Tigan vs. Zofran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Confusion (disorientation)
    •Headache
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Blurred vision
    •Muscle cramps
    •Diarrhea
    •Rash
    •Tremors
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 24%)
    •Fatigue (up to 13%)
    •Constipation (up to 9%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)

  • Warnings of Tigan vs. Zofran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Movement problems
    •Poor cognition (brain function)
    •Masking other serious health problems
    •Liver damage
    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 Tigan vs. Zofran

    Learn more about Tigan
    Learn more about Ondansetron

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