dolasetron (injection)

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Pronunciation: doe LAY se tron

Brand: Anzemet

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

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?

Dolasetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Dolasetron injection is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery.

Dolasetron injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving dolasetron injection?

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

Dolasetron can cause serious heart rhythm problems. You should not use this medicine if you have a history of Long QT syndrome. Tell your doctor if anyone in your family has ever had this condition.

To make sure dolasetron is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • 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);
  • 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.

How is dolasetron injection given?

For adults, dolasetron is injected into a vein through an IV. For children, the medicine may be mixed with apple juice and given orally (by mouth). You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting before or during surgery.

In most cases, only one dose of dolasetron is given while you are still under anesthesia, or as soon as you have symptoms of nausea or vomiting.

Dolasetron injection is not for preventing nausea or vomiting that is caused by chemotherapy or factors other than surgery.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since dolasetron injection is usually given as single dose by a healthcare professional, you will not be on a frequent dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

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

Overdose symptoms may include depression, tremors, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid after receiving dolasetron injection?

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

What are the possible side effects of dolasetron injection?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers 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;
  • 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:

  • headache, dizziness;
  • fast or slow heart rate;
  • chills, shivering, anxiety;
  • upset stomach, diarrhea;
  • tired feeling; 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 injection?

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.

Using 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?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about dolasetron injection.

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.

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