Dolasetron (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed
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.

How this medication should 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.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions
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.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking dolasetron, call your doctor.

Special dietary instructions
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What to do if you 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.

Minor side effects
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

Severe side effects
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

Dolasetron may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed 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.

In case of emergency/overdose
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

Other information
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.

Brand names

 * Anzemet®