Drug Notes

Dolasetron (By injection)

Dolasetron (doe-LAS-e-tron)

Prevents and treats nausea and vomiting that may happen after surgery.

Brand Name(s):

Anzemet

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• A nurse or other healthcare professional will give you this medicine during or after your surgery. It is given through a needle placed in your vein.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how dolasetron works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Fentanyl, lithium, mirtazapine, tramadol
  • A diuretic (water pill)
  • A MAO inhibitor (MAOI)
  • Medicine to treat heart rhythm problems (such as flecainide, quinidine, verapamil)
  • Medicine to treat depression
  • Medicine to treat migraine headaches

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems (such as congenital long QT syndrome), or a slow heartbeat.
• This medicine can cause the following problems:
  • Changes in your heart rhythm
  • A serious drug reaction called serotonin syndrome (more likely when used with certain other medicines)

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, restlessness, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there
• Chest pain, fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Pain or burning where the needle was placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017