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Compare Zofran vs. Scopolamine

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

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.

  • Ondansetron (Zofran)
    Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)
  • Ondansetron (Zofran)
    Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)

  • Summary of Zofran vs. Scopolamine

    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 Anticholinergic
    Prescription only

    Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) is a prescription anticholinergic medication. It's used to prevent nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, as well as from anesthesia or pain medications used in surgery. Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) comes as a patch that you place behind your ear. You need to apply it at least 4 hours before any activities that might cause motion sickness, or the night before your surgery. Common side effects scopolamine (Transderm Scop) include dry mouth, sleepiness, and dizziness.

  • Indications of Zofran vs. Scopolamine

    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 due to:
    •Motion sickness
    •Anesthesia or pain medications used in surgery

  • Pros and Cons of Zofran vs. Scopolamine

    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 Anticholinergic
    Pros
    •Works well for preventing nausea and vomiting
    •Effects lasts for up to 3 days
    •Applied to skin, so a good choice for people who've trouble taking pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not for use in children younger than 18 years old
    •Takes about 4 hours to start working, so need to remember to take it ahead of time
    •Doesn't treat nausea and vomiting that's already happening
    •Can cause drowsiness, blurry vision, and confusion

  • Common Side Effects of Zofran vs. Scopolamine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 24%)
    •Fatigue (up to 13%)
    •Constipation (up to 9%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (29%)
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Agitation (6%)
    •Changes in vision (5%)

  • Warnings of Zofran vs. Scopolamine

    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
    •Angle-closure glaucoma
    •Brain and mental health problems
    •Risk of seizures in pregnant people with preeclampsia
    •Blockage in the stomach, intestines, or bladder
    •Withdrawal
    •Blurry vision
    •Skin burn from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

  • Prices with our coupons for Zofran vs. Scopolamine

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    Learn more about Scopolamine

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