Tigan vs. Zofran for Nausea: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Ondansetron

(Zofran)

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Summary for Tigan

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.

Indications for Tigan

Nausea and vomiting related to the stomach flu or surgery

Pros and Cons for Tigan

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

Common Side Effects for Tigan

Confusion (disorientation)
Headache
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Muscle cramps
Diarrhea
Rash
Tremors

Warnings for Tigan

Movement problems
Poor cognition (brain function)
Masking other serious health problems
Liver damage

Summary for Zofran

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 for Zofran

Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy
Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery

Pros and Cons for Zofran

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 for Zofran

Headache (up to 24%)
Fatigue (up to 13%)
Constipation (up to 9%)
Diarrhea (up to 6%)

Warnings for Zofran

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