DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Dolasetron

March 21, 2017

Dolasetron Mesylate Monohydrate Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

DOLASETRON (dol A se tron) is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • heart disease

  • history of irregular heartbeat

  • kidney disease

  • low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take this medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole

  • cisapride

  • dofetilide

  • dronedarone

  • pimozide

  • thioridazine

  • ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

  • beta-blockers like atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol

  • calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, verapamil

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • cimetidine

  • daunorubicin

  • digoxin

  • diuretics

  • doxorubicin

  • epirubicin

  • fentanyl

  • flecainide

  • linezolid

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • methylene blue (injected into a vein)

  • other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

  • quinidine

  • rifampin

  • tramadol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Check with your doctor or health care professional right away if you have any sign of an allergic reaction.

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • chest tightness

  • confusion

  • dizziness

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • fever and chills

  • loss of balance or coordination

  • seizures

  • sweating

  • swelling of the feet or hands

  • tremors

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation or diarrhea

  • headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Dolasetron Mesylate Monohydrate Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

DOLASETRON (dol A se tron) is used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • heart disease

  • history of irregular heartbeat

  • kidney disease

  • low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole

  • cisapride

  • dofetilide

  • dronedarone

  • pimozide

  • thioridazine

  • ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

  • beta-blockers like atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol

  • calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, verapamil

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • cimetidine

  • daunorubicin

  • digoxin

  • diuretics

  • doxorubicin

  • epirubicin

  • fentanyl

  • flecainide

  • linezolid

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • methylene blue (injected into a vein)

  • other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

  • quinidine

  • rifampin

  • tramadol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • chest tightness

  • confusion

  • dizziness

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • fever and chills

  • loss of balance or coordination

  • seizures

  • sweating

  • swelling of the feet or hands

  • tremors

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation or diarrhea

  • headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert