Dolasetron Injection

Dolasetron injection is used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Dolasetron injection should not be used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting in people receiving cancer chemotherapy medications. Dolasetron is in a class of medications called serotonin 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural substance that may cause nausea and vomiting.

Dolasetron injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. It is usually given as a single injection just before the end of surgery or as soon as nausea or vomiting occurs.

Dolasetron injection may be mixed in apple or apple-grape juice for children to take by mouth. It usually is given within 2 hours before surgery. This mixture may be kept at room temperature but must be used within 2 hours after mixing.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using dolasetron injection,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dolasetron, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in dolasetron injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: atenolol (Tenormin, in Tenoretic), cimetidine; diuretics ('water pills'); medications to control blood pressure; medications for irregular heart beat such as atenolol (Tenormin, in Tenoretic), flecainide (Tambocor),quinidine (Quinidex, Quinaglute, others), and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan, in Tarka); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Also tell your doctor if you are receiving or have ever received certain cancer chemotherapy medications such as daunorubicin (Cerubidine, DaunoXome), doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex), epirubicin (Ellence), idarubicin (Zevalin), mitoxantrone (Novantrone), or valrubicin. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had long QT syndrome (condition that increases the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat that may cause fainting or sudden death), or another type of irregular heart beat or heart rhythm problem, or if you have or have ever had low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood, heart failure, or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Dolasetron injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• hives

• rash

• itching

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• changes in heart beat or heart rhythm

• dizziness or lightheadedness

• fainting

Dolasetron injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• dizziness

• fainting

• rapid, pounding, or irregular heart beat

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Last Revised - 04/15/2012