Drug interactions
Cigarette smoking + Ondansetron
Severity: Minor
Cigarette smoking and Ondansetron: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Smoking induces CYP1A2 and may speed up ondansetron metabolism, giving somewhat lower drug levels. Because ondansetron is also cleared by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, the effect is small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cigarette smoking and Ondansetron have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP1A2 by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke increases ondansetron clearance.
What to do
No dose adjustment is usually needed. Reassess antiemetic efficacy if response is poor in a heavy smoker.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ondansetron
- Apomorphine + Ondansetron Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ondansetron Major
- Amiodarone + Ondansetron Major
- Amisulpride + Ondansetron Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cigarette smoking with Ondansetron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cigarette smoking and Ondansetron have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Smoking induces CYP1A2 and may speed up ondansetron metabolism, giving somewhat lower drug levels. Because ondansetron is also cleared by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, the effect is small.
How serious is the interaction between Cigarette smoking and Ondansetron?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose adjustment is usually needed. Reassess antiemetic efficacy if response is poor in a heavy smoker.
What other medicines interact with Ondansetron?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ondansetron with, for example, Apomorphine, Thioridazine, Vandetanib. The full list is on the Ondansetron page.
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