Final answer:
Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting, with headache and constipation being its most common side effects. Other less frequent side effects include sedation, hypotension, and extrapyramidal side effects. Side effects can vary greatly among different medications and individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ondansetron is a medication commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by factors such as cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. When looking at the side effects of ondansetron, statistics show that the most common ones are headache and constipation. Headaches occur in approximately 11% of patients (with a similar rate in placebo groups), while constipation is noted in about 4% of cases, according to MIMS. Other side effects might include sedation, hypotension, and extrapyramidal side effects, although these are generally less common compared to headache and constipation.
The side effects related to the autonomic nervous system, such as nausea and vomiting, are particularly relevant since ondansetron is aimed at preventing these symptoms. It's important to note that while it is used for nausea, patients may still experience which might lead one to the assumption that there's an increase in such symptoms but they are actually trying to be mitigated using this medication. In addition, a range of side effects can accompany the use of various pharmaceuticals, and these can differ based on the individual and the particular medication. Examples of common side effects from other classes of medications include weight gain, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of sexual desire among others.