Dolasetron

Dolasetron (oral) is used in adults and children who are at least 2 years old to prevent nausea and vomiting that may happen due to cancer treatment (chemotherapy).

Dolasetron may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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.

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).

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

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
• a heart rhythm disorder such as slow heartbeats, or atrial fibrillation (fast, irregular heart rhythm);
• congestive heart failure;
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member) or a condition called torsade de pointes;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low blood levels of potassium or magnesium); or
• kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty 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:

• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out).

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

Common side effects of dolasetron may include:

• headache;
• tiredness;
• diarrhea;
• slow heartbeats; or
• drowsiness.

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.

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

Recommended dose: 100 mg orally 1 hour prior to chemotherapyComment:-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 presentsComments:-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 mgComments:-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 mgComment:-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

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

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

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

Dolasetron can lead to a serious heart problem. Your risk may increase if you are also taking certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Inform your doctor if you are also using stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or to prevent nausea and vomiting. An interaction with dolasetron could result in a serious condition known as serotonin syndrome.

Other medications may influence dolasetron, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.