DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: dolasetron (doe LAH seh tron)
Brand Names: Anzemet

What is dolasetron?

Dolasetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that may cause nausea and vomiting.

Dolasetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy or surgery.

Dolasetron may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about dolasetron?

Do not take dolasetron without first talking to your doctor if you have heart problems or if you take other medicines. Dolasetron can affect the way that your heart beats, which can be dangerous.

Who should not take dolasetron?

Do not take dolasetron without first talking to your doctor if you:

• have low levels of potassium in your blood;

• have low levels of magnesium in your blood;

• are taking a diuretic (water pill);

• have a history of congenital QT syndrome; or

• are taking a medicine to treat an irregular heartbeat.

Dolasetron may affect your heart, especially if you have any of the conditions or are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Dolasetron is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take dolasetron without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether dolasetron passes into breast milk. Do not take dolasetron without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take dolasetron?

Take dolasetron exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take the tablets with a full glass of water.

The injectable form of dolasetron is intended for intravenous use. However, it can also be used orally when mixed with apple or apple-grape juice as directed by your doctor. The mixture of dolasetron and juice is good for up to 2 hours at room temperature.

Dolasetron can be taken with or without food.

Store dolasetron at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a dolasetron overdose are not well known but might include tremors, seizures, and heart problems.

What should I avoid while taking dolasetron?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with dolasetron unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Dolasetron side effects

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking dolasetron and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• irregular heartbeats; or

• muscle cramps or uncontrollable movements.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take dolasetron and talk to your doctor if you experience

• headache;

• fatigue, drowsiness, or dizziness; or

• diarrhea.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect dolasetron?

Do not take dolasetron without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), torsemide (Demadex), chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Esidrix, Microzide, Oretic), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone, Spironol), triamterene (Dyrenium), and others;

• a medicine to treat irregular heartbeats such as amiodarone (Cordarone), bepridil (Vascor), disopyramide (Norpace), sotalol (Betapace), and others;

• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); or

• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) or rifabutin (Mycobutin).

You may not be able to take dolasetron, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with dolasetron. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines during treatment with dolasetron.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about dolasetron written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Dolasetron is available with a prescription under the brand name Anzemet. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Anzemet 50 mg-light pink, film-coated, round tablets

• Anzemet 100 mg- pink, film-coated, oval tablets

• Anzemet Injection 12.5 mg-0.625 mL single use ampules

• Anzemet Injection 100 mg/5 mL-5 mL single use vials

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.03. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:07:06 PM.