Dolasetron
Conditions Treated
Dolasetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, anesthesia, or surgery. Dolasetron is in a class of medications called serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the vomiting reflex in the brain.
Possible Side Effects
What Side Effects Can This Cause?
Dolasetron may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- diarrhea
- excessive tiredness
- dizziness
- pain
- heartburn
- chills
- rash
- fever
- itching
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptom is uncommon, but if you experience it, call your doctor immediately:
- rapid, pounding , or irregular heartbeat
Usage Instructions
How Should This Medication Be Used
Dolasetron comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken within 1 hour before chemotherapy or within 2 hours before surgery. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dolasetron exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Are There Any Special Instructions
Before taking dolasetron, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dolasetron, alosetron (Lotronex), granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: cimetidine (Tagamet); cisapride (Propulsid); diuretics ('water pills'); dofetilide (Tikosyn); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); medications for irregular heartbeat such as amiodarone (Cordarone), disopyramide (Norpace), pimozide (Orap), procainamide (Procanbid, Pronestyl), quinidine (Quinidex), and sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF); moxifloxacin (Avelox); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); sparfloxacin (Zagam); and thioridazine (Mellaril). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had low blood levels of magnesium or potassium, or heart disease.
Brand Names
Common Brand Names for This Medication
- Anzemet®
Overdose
What To Do In The Case of Emergency
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include:
- dizziness
- fainting
Forgotten Doses
What Should I Do If I Forget A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Information
What Are the Storage Conditions for this Medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What Other Information Should I Know?
Keep all appointments with you doctor. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.