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Dolasetron

Generic name: dolasetron (oral) [ doe-LAS-e-tron ]
Brand name: Anzemet
Dosage form: oral tablet (50 mg)
Drug class: 5HT3 receptor antagonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 15, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is dolasetron?

Dolasetron oral is for use in adults and children at least 2 years old 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, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

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

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.

Common side effects of dolasetron may include:

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.

Warnings

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Call your doctor at once if you have fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out).

Before taking this medicine

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

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take dolasetron?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Dolasetron is usually taken 1 hour before chemotherapy.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dolasetron dosing information

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

Recommended dose: 100 mg orally 1 hour prior to chemotherapy

Comment:
-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 presents

Comments:
-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 mg

Comments:
-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 mg

Comment:
-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

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking dolasetron?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect dolasetron?

Dolasetron can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Tell your doctor if you also use stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. An interaction with dolasetron could cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Other drugs may affect dolasetron, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

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.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.