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Dolasetron

Antiemetic

Also known as Anzemet

AntiemeticATC A04AA04
CDSCO approvedSchedule HATC A04AA04
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
12 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
and should be avoided in women ofPage
FDA category + note
Top interactionssee all 12
  • AbarelixSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • AbirateroneSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • AcebutololSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • AdenosineSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Dolasetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. It blocks 5-HT3 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which activate visceral afferent pain sensation, thereby reducing unpleasant visceral afferent sensations including nausea. It also blocks central 5-HT3 receptors, reducing the central response to visceral afferent stimulation.

Indications

Chemotherapy-induced nauseaNausea and vomitingNauseasuppressing nausea and vomitingChemotherapy-induced nausea and vomitingPostoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)Nausea secondary to upper abdominal irradiationHyperemesis of pregnancyPrevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (severely emetogenic regimens)

Dosing

Adult
In a dosage of 1 mg once or twice daily, alosetron reduces IBS­related lower abdominal pain, cramps, urgency, and diarrhea. Approximately 50–60% of patients report adequate relief of pain and discomfort with alosetron compared with 30–40% of patients treated with placebo. It also leads to a reduction in the mean number of bowel movements per day and improvement in stool consistency.…

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life
6 to 8 h (for active metabolite hydrodolasetron)
Metabolism
Rapidly converted by plasma carbonyl reductase to active metabolite hydrodolasetron; subsequently biotransformed by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 in the liver
Excretion
About one-third excreted unchanged in urine (as hydrodolasetron)

Contraindications

  • Prophylactic therapy for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (injectable form due to risk of QT prolongation)

Side effects

Common
Constipation or diarrheaHeadacheLight-headedness
Serious
  • ECG interval changes (QT prolongation)
  • Serotonin syndrome

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

and should be avoided in women ofPage

Drug interactions

Abarelix
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Abiraterone
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Acebutolol
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Adenosine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Alfentanil
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Alfuzosin
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Alimemazine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Almotriptan
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Amiodarone
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Amisulpride
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Amitriptyline
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Amlodipine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Related guidelines

Other Antiemetic drugs

Ask House about Dolasetron

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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e, Harrison 22e, Katzung·Verified: 2026-05-13 · House clinical team