Aloxi (Palonosetron hydrochloride) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Aloxi

Nausea and Vomiting »

Introduction to nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of an underlying disease and not a specific illness. Nausea is the sensation that the stomach wants to empty itself, while vomiting (emesis) or throwing up, is the act of forcible emptying of the stomach.

Vomiting is a violent act in which the stomach has to overcome the pressures that are normally in place to keep food and secretions within the stomach. The stomach almost turns itself inside out - forcing itself into the lower portion of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) during a vomiting episode.

What causes nausea or vomiting?

There are numerous causes of nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may be due to the following:

acute gastritis
central causes (signals from the brain)
association with other illnesses remote from the stomach
medications and medical treatments

Read the Nausea and Vomiting article »

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Aloxi®
(palonosetron HCl) Injection

DRUG DESCRIPTION

ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) is an antiemetic and antinauseant agent. It is a serotonin subtype 3 (5-HT₃) receptor antagonist with a strong binding affinity for this receptor. Chemically, palonosetron hydrochloride is: (3aS)-2-[(S)-1-Azabicyclo [2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexahydro-1-oxo-1 Hbenz[de]isoquinoline hydrochloride. The empirical formula is C₁₉H₂₄N₂O.HCl, with a molecular weight of 332.87. Palonosetron hydrochloride exists as a single isomer and has the following structural formula:

Aloxi® (palonosetron HCl) Structural Formula Illustration

Palonosetron hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in water, soluble in propylene glycol, and slightly soluble in ethanol and 2-propanol.

ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) Injection is a sterile, clear, colorless, non-pyrogenic, isotonic, buffered solution for intravenous administration. Each 5 mL vial of ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) Injection contains 0.25 mg palonosetron base as hydrochloride, 207.5 mg mannitol, disodium edetate and citrate buffer in water for intravenous administration. The pH of the solution is 4.5 to 5.5.

What are the possible side effects of palonosetron (Aloxi)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever;
slow or uneven heart rate, trouble breathing;
anxiety, agitation, shivering;
feeling light-headed, fainting; or
urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

diarrhea;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Aloxi »

What are the precautions when taking palonosetron hydrochloride (Aloxi)?

Before using palonosetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other serotonin blockers (e.g., ondansetron); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat).

Palonosetron may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you...

Read All Potential Precautions of Aloxi »

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/27/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.