Key takeaways
Ondansetron (Zofran) and scopolamine (Transderm Scop) are both used to prevent nausea and vomiting, but they work in different ways and are used for different situations. Ondansetron is an antiemetic that blocks serotonin receptors in the brain and is commonly used after surgery or cancer treatments. It comes in various forms, including tablets, dissolvable tablets, liquid, and injections, and is taken multiple times a day. Scopolamine, on the other hand, is an anticholinergic that blocks acetylcholine receptors and is used to prevent motion sickness and nausea from anesthesia or pain medications during surgery. It is available as a patch that you place behind your ear and lasts up to three days. While ondansetron can be used in both adults and children, scopolamine is not recommended for children under 18. Additionally, scopolamine takes about 4 hours to start working, whereas ondansetron starts working in about 30 minutes. Both medications have side effects, but scopolamine can cause more severe mental health issues like hallucinations and paranoia, while ondansetron can cause headaches and fatigue.
