Difference Between Zofran and Phenergan

The main difference between Zofran and Phenergan is that Zofran has Ondansetron HCL as its active pharmaceutical ingredient while Phenergan has Promethazine as its active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Zofran vs. Phenergan

Zofran contains ondansetron HCL as a therapeutic moiety, while Phenergan contains promethazine as a therapeutic moiety. Zofran is the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist; on the other hand, Phenergan is a first generation antihistamine. Zofran costs more while Phenergan is cheap. Zofran does not cause drowsiness, while Phenergan causes drowsiness. Zofran, if used in high doses, causes heartbeat disturbances; on the other hand, Phenergan does not cause such effects in high doses. Zofran can be used on patents from six months of age, while Phenergan cannot be used on patients under two years of age. suppository. Zofran has an onset of action of 30 minutes, while Phenergan has an onset of action of 15 to 60 minutes. Zofran shows mild side effects; on the other hand, Phenergan shows relatively serious side effects.

Comparison chart

What is Zofran?

Zofran is the brand name for Ondansetron HCL, which is the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Zofran is widely used to treat chemotherapy-induced emesis and nausea, which are secondary to upper abdominal irradiation. 5-HT3 receptors are present at different sites that are involved in emesis. Zofran shows its antiemetic effects even after the drug has disappeared from circulation. Zofran is effectively administered only once a day. Zofran is orally absorbed and extensively metabolized by hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes, followed by conjugation reaction involving glucuronidation and sulfate conjugation. When Zofran is taken by patients who have abnormal liver function, these patients have reduced plasma clearance of the drug, therefore, the dose is adjusted in these patients. Elderly patients also have reduced clearance of Zofran, but no dosage adjustment is necessary in elderly patients. Zofran is also used by pregnant women for the treatment of hyperemesis during pregnancy. Zofran is taken 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy treatment to prevent nausea and vomiting. Zofran is taken 1-2 hours before the start of radiation treatment to prevent nausea. Zofran is taken 1 before the start of surgery to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery. When using Zofran in liquid form, use the special dosing spoon or device to measure the dose correctly and do not use the usual household spoon for this purpose, as this would lead to a lower or higher dose measurement. Zofran is taken 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy treatment to prevent nausea and vomiting. Zofran is taken 1-2 hours before the start of radiation treatment to prevent nausea. Zofran is taken 1 before the start of surgery to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery. When using Zofran in liquid form, use the special dosing spoon or device to measure the dose correctly and do not use the usual household spoon for this purpose, as this would lead to under- or over-measuring of the dose. Zofran is taken 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy treatment to prevent nausea and vomiting. Zofran is taken 1-2 hours before the start of radiation treatment to prevent nausea. Zofran is taken 1 before the start of surgery to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery. When using Zofran in liquid form, use the special dosing spoon or device to measure the dose correctly and do not use the usual household spoon for this purpose, as this would lead to under- or over-measuring of the dose.

What is Phenergan?

Phenergan is the brand name for Promethazine, which is a first generation antihistamine and is a phenothiazine derivative. Phenergan also possesses some anticholinergic properties. Phenergan has sedative effects, but is primarily used for antiemetic effects. Phenergan is available as Promethazine Hydrochloride. Phenergan is used to treat different medical conditions such as allergies, nausea, and is also used to induce sleep. Phenergan also helps mitigate the symptoms of the common cold. Phenergan sedates patients who are anxious or agitated. Phenergan Booth is taken with or without food three to five times a day. To prevent movement, the sick take Phenergan 30-60 minutes before the start of the trip. To treat allergies, Phenergan is taken at bedtime to prevent daytime sleepiness. When Phenergan is taken to prevent vomiting after surgery, in that case, Phenergan is taken one night before surgery or just before medical procedure, and then its dosage should be continued according to the doctor’s prescription. Phenergan has different side effects like blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness; Some patients may experience fainting, slow heartbeat, or some mental changes such as hallucinations, irritability, and nervousness. Phenergan should not be taken if patients are allergic to promethazine or any other phenothiazine. Patients who are going to use Phenergan should inform their doctors if they have any respiratory disorders, such as asthma, COPD or sleep apnea and immune system problems, including bone marrow depression. Do not operate heavy machinery after taking Phenergan. Phenergan use leads to sensitivity to sunlight, so wear shades or any protective clothing.

Key differences

1. Zofran has Ondansetron HCL while Phenergan has
2. Zofran is classified as a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist; on the other hand, Phenergan is classified as a first generation antihistamine.
3. Zofran is relatively expensive while Phenergan is relatively cheap.
4. Zofran does not induce sleep; on the other hand, Phenergan induces sleep.
5. Zofran interferes with heart rhythms in high doses, on the other hand Phenergan does not interfere with heart rhythms
6. Zofran can be used in patients 6 months and older, while Phenergan can be used in patients 2 years and older.
7. Zofran is available in pill, disintegrating liquid, liquid, and sublingual film form, while Phenergan is available in pill, liquid, and suppository form.
8. Zofran starts its pharmacological action in 30 minutes, while Phenergan starts its pharmacological action in 15 minutes to 1 hour.
9. Zofran has no serious side effects; on the other hand, Phenergan shows severe side effects.

The main conclusion from the above discussion is that Zofran and Phenergan belong to different groups of drugs but are used to treat nausea and vomiting.