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dolasetron (oral)
dolasetron (oral)
What is the most important information I should know about dolasetron?
What is the most important information I should know about dolasetron?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is dolasetron?
What is dolasetron?
Dolasetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Dolasetron oral (taken by mouth) is used 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.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking dolasetron?
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking dolasetron?
You should not take dolasetron if you are allergic to it.
To make sure you can safely take dolasetron, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- kidney disease;
- a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome";
- a heart rhythm disorder such as slow heartbeats, or atrial fibrillation (fast, irregular heart rhythm);
- personal or family history of long QT syndrome;
- congestive heart failure; or
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether dolasetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Dolasetron should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
How should I take dolasetron?
How should I take dolasetron?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Dolasetron is usually taken 1 hour before chemotherapy. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Tell your doctor if you forget to take your dose within 1 hour before chemotherapy. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
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?
What should I avoid while taking dolasetron?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of dolasetron?
What are the possible side effects of dolasetron?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- slow heart rate, weak pulse, slow breathing;
- swelling in your hands or feet;
- little or no urinating; or
- high levels of serotonin in the body --agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.
Common side effects may include:
- mild headache;
- mild dizziness;
- drowsiness; or
- pain.
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.
What other drugs will affect dolasetron?
What other drugs will affect dolasetron?
Dolasetron can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with dolasetron.
Taking dolasetron while you are using certain other medicines can cause high levels of serotonin to build up in your body, a condition called "serotonin syndrome," which can be fatal. Tell your doctor if you also use:
- medicine to treat depression;
- medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder;
- a narcotic (opioid) medication; or
- medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting.
This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with dolasetron. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about dolasetron oral.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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