Podcast #199: Prolonged QT with Zofran

Author: Arthur Lessen M.D.

Educational Pearls:

• Zofran (ondansetron) is generally safe to use for the treatment of nausea and vomiting. However, it can prolong the QT interval and increase the chance for torsades.

• Low doses of Zofran are not likely to be an issue. However, when multiple doses are given, especially in the setting of a preexisting LQTS, clinical concern should be raised.

• When giving Zofran to a patient with an increased risk for torsades, consider continuous cardiac monitoring or an alternate anti-emetic.

References:  https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm310190.htm