Ondansetron 4 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy; Nausea and vomiting after surgery.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.62 to ₹5.52 per tablet across 6 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ondansetron Tablets IP 4 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹6.19 | ₹0.62 | 19 October 2026 |
| Vomikind MD 4 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹48.42 | ₹4.84 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zofer 4 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹55.14 | ₹5.51 | 19 October 2026 |
| Emeset 4 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹55.23 | ₹5.52 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ondem 4 | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹55.20 | ₹5.52 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ondem MD 4 | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹55.20 | ₹5.52 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Nausea and vomiting after surgery.
- Vomiting from stomach infections (gastroenteritis) when prescribed by a doctor, to help keep fluids down.
- Severe nausea in pregnancy (hyperemesis), only when a doctor prescribes it.
How to take it
Take one 4 mg tablet with water, with or without food, usually 30 minutes to 1 hour before chemotherapy or as your doctor directs. For other causes of vomiting the usual adult dose is 4 to 8 mg every 8 to 12 hours, as prescribed. Mouth-dissolving (MD) tablets are placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
Side effects
Common
- Headache.
- Constipation.
- Tiredness, drowsiness.
- Flushing or warmth.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Irregular heartbeat, fainting – ondansetron can prolong the QT interval.
- Serotonin syndrome when combined with certain antidepressants – agitation, fever, fast heartbeat, muscle twitching.
- Severe allergic reaction – swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulty.
- Blurred vision or sudden vision loss (rare).
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol; it worsens drowsiness and can irritate the stomach further.
Pregnancy
Used in pregnancy only when a doctor judges it necessary, generally after the first trimester, as there is a small possible link with cleft palate in early pregnancy. Ask your doctor before use. Passes into breast milk in small amounts.
Kidney problems
No dose change usually needed.
Liver problems
In severe liver disease the total daily dose is limited to 8 mg.
Children
Used in children from 6 months in weight-based doses prescribed by a paediatrician; syrup or MD tablets are used.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is due soon. Do not double up.
Interactions
- Medicines that affect heart rhythm – domperidone, some antibiotics (azithromycin, moxifloxacin), antifungals, antipsychotics.
- SSRIs and SNRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine) and tramadol – risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Tramadol – ondansetron may reduce its pain relief.
- Apomorphine – avoid together (severe BP fall).
- Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin – can reduce ondansetron levels.
Frequently asked questions
Emeset 4 before or after food?
Either. Ondansetron works with or without food. If you are vomiting, take it when you can keep water down; MD tablets dissolve on the tongue without water.
Can I take Emeset 4 for vomiting from food poisoning?
Doctors do prescribe ondansetron for vomiting from stomach infections to help you keep fluids down, but it does not treat the infection. Drink ORS, and see a doctor if vomiting continues, there is blood, or you cannot pass urine.
Can I take Emeset 4 with alcohol?
Avoid it. Alcohol adds to drowsiness and irritates the stomach.
Is Emeset safe in pregnancy?
It is used for severe pregnancy vomiting when a doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk, usually after the first 12 weeks. Do not self-medicate; ask your doctor.
Emeset 4 vs Domstal – which is better for vomiting?
They work differently. Ondansetron (Emeset) blocks the vomiting signal in the brain and gut and is stronger for chemotherapy and surgery-related vomiting. Domperidone (Domstal) speeds up stomach emptying and suits nausea with bloating. Your doctor chooses; they should not be combined without advice because both affect heart rhythm.
How fast does Emeset 4 work?
Usually within 30 minutes to an hour; MD tablets may act slightly faster.
Can I give Emeset 4 to my child?
Only on a doctor's prescription. Children get weight-based doses, often as syrup or 2 mg/4 mg MD tablets. Oral rehydration is the priority in childhood vomiting.
Does Emeset 4 need a prescription?
Yes. Ondansetron is a Schedule H medicine in India.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Ondansetron (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms