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Compare Zofran vs. Granisetron

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

Key takeaways

Ondansetron (Zofran) and granisetron (Kytril) are both antiemetic medications used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and radiation. Ondansetron is available in various forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), liquid, and injections, while granisetron is available as tablets and intravenous (IV) infusions. Ondansetron is typically taken multiple times a day, whereas granisetron is usually taken once or twice daily on treatment days. Ondansetron can be used in children, but granisetron tablets are not recommended for children. Both medications can cause headaches and have the potential to lead to serotonin syndrome and heart rhythm problems. Both medications are availible as generics, however, granisetron is noted to be more expensive than ondansetron.

  • Ondansetron (Zofran)
    Granisetron
  • Ondansetron (Zofran)
    Granisetron

  • Summary of Zofran vs. Granisetron

    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.

    Summary for Antiemetic
    Prescription only

    Granisetron prevents nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy and radiation. It can cause headaches and can be more expensive than other similar medications like ondansetron (Zofran).

  • Indications of Zofran vs. Granisetron

    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery
    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer medications (chemotherapy) and radiation

  • Pros and Cons of Zofran vs. Granisetron

    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)
    Pros and Const for Antiemetic
    Pros
    •Can be taken orally or by injection
    •Safe option for older adults and people with kidney and liver problems
    •Only needs to be taken on chemotherapy and radiation days
    Cons
    •Only prevents nausea and vomiting; not as good of an option for treatment of nausea and vomiting that is already present
    •Tablets not for use in children
    •Can be more expensive than similar medications

  • Common Side Effects of Zofran vs. Granisetron

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 24%)
    •Fatigue (up to 13%)
    •Constipation (up to 9%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (20%)
    •Weakness or lack of energy (18%)
    •Constipation (14%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Upset stomach and stomach pain (4—6%)

  • Warnings of Zofran vs. Granisetron

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •Digestion problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Zofran vs. Granisetron

    Learn more about Ondansetron
    Learn more about Granisetron

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