Ondansetron 2 mg/5 ml: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Vomiting in children during stomach infections (gastroenteritis), when a doctor prescribes it; Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.47 to ₹1.35 per ml across 7 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / ml | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ondansetron Oral Solution IP 2 mg per 5mlJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 30 ml | ₹14.07 | ₹0.47 | 19 October 2026 |
| Vomipen Syrup | Morepen Laboratories Ltd | 30 ml | ₹30.71 | ₹1.02 | 19 October 2026 |
| Periset Syrup | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 30 ml | ₹39.69 | ₹1.32 | 19 October 2026 |
| Vomikind Syrup | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 30 ml | ₹40.26 | ₹1.34 | 19 October 2026 |
| Epinorm Syrup | Apex Laboratories Pvt Ltd | 30 ml | ₹40.32 | ₹1.34 | 19 October 2026 |
| Emeset Syrup | Cipla Ltd | 30 ml | ₹40.62 | ₹1.35 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ondem Syrup | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 30 ml | ₹40.49 | ₹1.35 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Vomiting in children during stomach infections (gastroenteritis), when a doctor prescribes it.
- Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Nausea and vomiting after an operation.
- Sometimes for severe vomiting in pregnancy, under a doctor's supervision.
How to take it
Give the dose your doctor prescribes, measured with the syringe or cup supplied. The syrup contains 2 mg in every 5 ml, so the volume depends on the child's weight and age – never guess. It can be given with or without food. For chemotherapy or surgery the first dose is given before the treatment starts. Do not give more doses or give it more often than prescribed. If a child is vomiting everything, is very drowsy, has blood in the vomit, or shows signs of dehydration (very little urine, dry mouth, sunken eyes), see a doctor instead of repeating the dose.
Side effects
Common
- Headache.
- Constipation.
- Tiredness, weakness or drowsiness.
- Chills or feeling cold.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or fainting.
- Blurred vision or loss of vision.
- Agitation, confusion, high fever, stiff or twitching muscles, loss of coordination (possible serotonin syndrome, especially with antidepressants).
- Allergic reaction – rash, hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
Safety information
Alcohol
Adults should avoid alcohol while vomiting; it adds to drowsiness and dehydration.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ondansetron is sometimes used for severe pregnancy vomiting but only after a doctor weighs the risks.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease; no routine dose change is listed, but monitoring may be needed.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; the total daily dose is limited in people with severe liver problems.
Children
Used in children only in the weight-based dose a doctor prescribes. Do not give it for ordinary motion sickness.
Missed dose
Give it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip the missed one. Do not give a double dose.
Interactions
- Antidepressants like sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram and tramadol – higher risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Medicines that affect heart rhythm (some antibiotics such as azithromycin, antifungals, antipsychotics) – added risk of irregular heartbeat.
- Tramadol – ondansetron can make it work less well.
- Tell your doctor if you or your family have long QT syndrome, low potassium or magnesium, or heart failure before using it.
Frequently asked questions
How much Emeset syrup should I give my child?
The dose depends on your child's weight and age and must be set by the doctor. The syrup has 2 mg per 5 ml. Always measure with the supplied syringe or cup and never repeat a dose just because the child vomited again.
Emeset syrup vs Ondem syrup – what is the difference?
Both contain ondansetron 2 mg per 5 ml; they are different brands of the same medicine. Flavour and price differ, the medicine does not.
Can I give Vomikind syrup for motion sickness?
No. Ondansetron is for vomiting from infections, chemotherapy, surgery or similar causes. For travel sickness, ask a doctor or pharmacist about other medicines.
How quickly does Ondem syrup work?
It usually starts working within about half an hour to an hour. If the child keeps vomiting or becomes drowsy or dehydrated, see a doctor rather than giving more.
Is Emeset syrup safe in pregnancy?
Doctors sometimes prescribe ondansetron for severe pregnancy vomiting, but only after weighing the risks. Do not take it in pregnancy without a doctor's advice.
Can ondansetron syrup be given with ORS?
Yes. ORS replaces the fluid and salts lost in vomiting and diarrhoea; ondansetron only reduces vomiting. Keep giving small sips of ORS frequently.
Does Emeset syrup cause constipation?
Constipation and headache are the most common side effects. They usually pass once the medicine is stopped.
Does ondansetron syrup need a prescription?
Yes. Ondansetron is a Schedule H medicine in India and should be used in children only in the dose prescribed by a doctor.
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