What is Dolasetron?
Dolasetron works by blocking the action of chemicals that cause nausea and vomiting.
Dolasetron oral is taken by mouth to prevent nausea and vomiting that can be caused by chemotherapy. Dolasetron can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Dolasetron
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Dolasetron may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Headaches associated with chest pain, severe dizziness, nausea, fainting or rapid heartbeats should not be overlooked.
- Feeling lightheadedness as though you could faint.
- Slow heartbeat weak pulse and slow breathing
- You may experience swelling in your hands or feet.
- Little or no urinating is acceptable.
- High levels of serotonin are associated with: agitation; hallucinations; fever; rapid heart rate; overactive reflexes; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; and loss of coordination.
Dolasetron side effects may include:
- Mild headache
- Mild dizziness;
- Drowsiness;
There may be other side effects. Need advice regarding side effects? Speak with your physician. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Ondansetron, Lorazepam, Dexamethasone, Zofran, Ativan, Metoclopramide, and Reglan
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication.Informing your healthcare provider of any current medical conditions, allergies or medicines you are taking will assist them in providing appropriate treatment and medications.
Before you take this drug
Dolasetron should not be taken if you have an allergy to it.
Tell your doctor about any other conditions you may have to ensure that you can take dolasetron safely.
- Kidney disease
- A serious heart condition, such as "sick sinus syndrome".
- A heart rhythm disorder, such as atrial flutter (a fast, irregular rhythm of the heart);
- Personal or family history of Long QT Syndrome
- Congestive heart failure;
- An electrolyte imbalance occurs when there is insufficient magnesium or potassium present in your blood supply.
Dolasetron is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Dolasetron is not known to pass into breast milk or to harm a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor if a child is breastfed. Dolasetron is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age.
How to take Dolasetron?
Do not take this medicine in greater or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended, without consulting your physician first. Follow all dosage instructions. Do not exceed recommended amounts by taking more. Dolasetron should be taken approximately an hour prior to chemotherapy treatment; please follow your healthcare provider's directions when administering. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light to extend shelf life.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for nausea or vomiting caused by chemotherapy:
Dosage: 100 mg taken orally one hour before chemotherapy.
Comment:
The recommended dose must not be exceeded.
Use:
Prevention of nausea and vomiting during initial and subsequent courses of chemotherapy for cancer that is moderately emetogenic
Adult dose for nausea or vomiting postoperatively:
Dosage: 12.5 mg IV 15 minutes prior to the termination of anesthesia, or as soon after nausea and vomiting present.
Comments:
The recommended dose must not be exceeded. Avoid initiating a second dose as rescue therapy if a prophylactic dosage fails.
This drug can be administered as an intravenous infusion for at least 30 seconds or diluted and then infused over a period of 15 minutes.
Uses:
Prevents nausea and vomiting after surgery.
For the treatment of nausea or vomiting after surgery
Usual pediatric dose for nausea and vomiting postoperatively:
From 2 to 16 years:
Recommended dosage: 0.35 mg/kg intravenously 15 minutes prior to the end of anesthesia, or at the first sign of nausea and vomiting.
Maximum dose: 12.5 mg
Alternative dose: Orally administered 1.2 mg/kg of the IV injection solution within 2 hours prior to surgery. The maximum dose is 100 mg.
Comments:
The injection solution can be mixed with grape or apple juice and taken orally. It is possible to store the mixture at room temperature for up to two hours before using it.
This drug can be administered as a single injection over a period of 30 seconds, or it can be diluted and given over ten minutes.
Uses:
Prevents nausea and vomiting after surgery.
For the treatment of nausea or vomiting after surgery
Usual pediatric dose for nausea/vomiting -- chemotherapy-induced:
From 2 to 16 years:
Recommended dosage: 1.8 mg/kg orally, 1 hour prior to chemotherapy.
Maximum dose: 100 mg
Comment:
The recommended dose must not be exceeded.
Use:
Prevention of nausea and vomiting during initial and subsequent courses of chemotherapy for cancer that is moderately emetogenic
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take extra medicine to make up for missed doses. Do not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Dolasetron may cause a serious problem with your heart, especially if certain medications are taken at the same time. These include antibiotics and antidepressants. Other medicines that can be used to treat heart rhythm, cancer, HIV, or AIDS, as well as malaria, Dolasetron can cause serious heart problems, especially if you are taking certain medicines at the same time. These include antibiotics, antidepressants (antipsychotics), heart rhythm medicine, HIV/AIDS or malaria medications, and antipsychotics.
Dolasetron can cause high serotonin levels to build in your body. This condition is called "serotonin syndrome" and can be fatal. Tell your doctor if:
- Medicine to treat depression
- Medicine to treat a mental disorder
- A narcotic medication (opioid);
- Medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting
This list isn't complete. Many other drugs may interact with dolasetron. Included are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. List all of your medications with any healthcare professional who treats you.
