Riets asked
Is Ondansetron unsafe during the first trimester of pregnancy?
Answer
Zofran (ondansetron) is a prescription anti-emetic medication most commonly used to treat the following conditions:
- Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting
- Post operative nausea and vomiting
- Severe pregnancy induced nausea and vomiting that does not respond to other anti-emetics
- Gastroenteritis induced nausea and vomiting
- Maintenance treatment for alcohol dependence
Although used in certain severe cases during pregnancy Zofran (ondansetron) is classified by the FDA as a Category B drug in pregnacy. A Category B pregnancy classification indicates that animal studies have failed to show risk for the fetus but there are no well controlled studies in pregnant women.
Zofran (ondansetron) has been show to cross the placenta during the first trimester and a few small studies suggest that there may be increased risk for cleft pallet with Zofran (ondansetron) use during pregnancy (especially the first trimester).
There are options that are considered safer than Zofran (ondansetron) for use during pregnancy. These include antihistamines and well as other types of anti-emetics. Before using any medications for any reason during pregnancy you should consult your doctor as every situation can be unique and require a novel treatment approach.
