Dolasetron

Generic name: Dolasetron (oral)
Brand names: Anzemet
Dosage form: oral tablet (50 mg)
Drug class: 5HT3 receptor antagonists

Usage of Dolasetron

Dolasetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Dolasetron oral (taken by mouth) is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy).

Dolasetron may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dolasetron side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dolasetron may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

slow heart rate, weak pulse, slow breathing;

swelling in your hands or feet;

little or no urinating; or

high levels of serotonin in the body--agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.

Common side effects of dolasetron may include:

mild headache;

mild dizziness;

drowsiness; or

pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Dolasetron

You should not take dolasetron if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely take dolasetron, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

kidney disease;

a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome";

a heart rhythm disorder such as slow heartbeats, or atrial fibrillation (fast, irregular heart rhythm);

personal or family history of long QT syndrome;

congestive heart failure; or

an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

It is not known whether dolasetron will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether dolasetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Dolasetron should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Dolasetron

Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting -- Chemotherapy Induced:

Recommended dose: 100 mg orally 1 hour prior to chemotherapyComment:-The recommended dose should not be exceeded.Use:-For the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy

Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting -- Postoperative:

Recommended dose: 12.5 mg IV approximately 15 minutes before the cessation of anesthesia or as soon as nausea and vomiting presentsComments:-The recommended dose should not be exceeded. If a prophylactic dose fails, avoid initiating another dose as rescue therapy.-This drug should be given as a single dose, and may be given as an IV infusion over at least 30 seconds or diluted and infused over 15 minutes.Uses:-For the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting-For the treatment of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting

Usual Pediatric Dose for Nausea/Vomiting -- Postoperative:

2 to 16 years:-Recommended dose: 0.35 mg/kg IV approximately 15 minutes before the cessation of anesthesia or as soon as nausea and vomiting presents-Maximum dose: 12.5 mg-Alternative dose: 1.2 mg/kg (of the IV injection solution) given orally within 2 hours before surgery, up to a maximum dose of 100 mgComments:-The injection solution may be mixed with apple or apple-grape juice and administered orally; the mixed product may be kept up to 2 hours at room temperature before use.-This drug should be given as a single dose, and may be given as an IV infusion over at least 30 seconds or diluted and infused over 15 minutes.Uses:-For the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting-For the treatment of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting

Usual Pediatric Dose for Nausea/Vomiting -- Chemotherapy Induced:

2 to 16 years:-Recommended dose: 1.8 mg/kg orally within 1 hour before chemotherapy-Maximum dose: 100 mgComment:-The recommended dose should not be exceeded.Use:-For the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Dolasetron

Dolasetron can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with dolasetron.

Taking dolasetron while you are using certain other medicines can cause high levels of serotonin to build up in your body, a condition called "serotonin syndrome," which can be fatal. Tell your doctor if you also use:

medicine to treat depression;

medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder;

a narcotic (opioid) medication; or

medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting.

This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with dolasetron. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Disclaimer

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