What is this medication for?
Dolasetron belongs to the class of medications called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists.
It is used for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
and surgery. It works by affecting a chemical in the body called serotonin,
which is thought to be involved with the process causing nausea and vomiting.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Anzemet® is available as:
- injections
- 12.5 mg per 0.625 mL
- 100 mg per 5 mL
- 500 mg per 25 mL
- tablets
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Dolasetron injection is given in the hospital under close supervision by health care providers. Normally, the doctor would prescribe dolasetron tablets (e.g. at discharge from the hospital or follow-up visits with the doctor) for regular daily use.
Chemotherapy: The recommended adult dose of dolasetron in tablet form
is 100 mg taken one hour before chemotherapy. For children from
2 to 16 years old, the recommended dose is 1.8 mg per kg of body weight given
within one hour before chemotherapy and not exceeding a maximum dose of 100 mg.
Surgery: The recommended adult dose of dolasetron in tablet form is 100 mg taken two hours before surgery. For children from 2 to 16 years old, the recommended dose is 1.2 mg per kg of body weight given within two hours before surgery and not exceeding a maximum dose of 100 mg.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Dolasetron should not be used by anyone who is allergic to dolasetron or to any ingredients of this medication.
The injection form should not be used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.