Anzemet

Common Name: dolasetron

How does Anzemet work?

Dolasetron is used for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. It works by affecting a certain chemical in the body called serotonin, which is thought to be involved with the process causing nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Anzemet?

The recommended adult dose of dolasetron in tablet form is 100 mg taken one hour before chemotherapy. 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 one above, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

What form(s) does Anzemet come in?

Anzemet® is available in injectable or tablet form. Injection: Each mL of clear, colourless, sterile, nonpyrogenic solution for intravenous injection contains dolasetron 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glacial acetic acid, mannitol, and sodium acetate trihydrate. Tablets: 50 mg:Each pale pink, round, film-coated tablet, printed with "ANZEMET" around "50" centred on one side and plain on the other, contains dolasetron 50 mg. 100 mg: Each pink, oval, film-coated tablet, printed with "ANZEMET" on one side and "100" on the other, contains dolasetron 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, pregelatinized starch, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and white wax.

What should I NOT take with Anzemet?

Anyone with an allergy to dolasetron or any ingredients of the product should not take this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Anzemet?

Medical conditions: Dolasetron should be taken with caution by anyone prone to certain heart rhythm abnormalities, including those who: have low blood levels of potassium or magnesium are taking diuretics (water pills) that could lead to low blood potassium have severely reduced kidney or liver function are taking medication to prevent abnormal heart rhythms are taking high doses of the class of chemotherapy medications known as anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin, daunorubicin) Pregnancy: This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as its effects when taken by pregnant women are not known. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor. Breast-feeding: It is not known if dolasetron passes into breast milk. It should not be taken by nursing women. Children: The safety and effectiveness of dolasetron for use by children is not known; therefore, its use by this age group is not recommended.