Anzemet Tablets (Dolasetron) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Anzemet Tablets

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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Anzemet Tablets

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ANZEMET ®
(dolasetron mesylate) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

ANZEMET (dolasetron mesylate) is an antinauseant and antiemetic agent. Chemically, dolasetron mesylate is (2α,6α,8α,9aβ)-octahydro-3-oxo-2,6-methano-2H-quinolizin-8-yl-1Hindole-3-carboxylate monomethanesulfonate, monohydrate. It is a highly specific and selective serotonin subtype 3 (5-HT₃) receptor antagonist both in vitro and in vivo. Dolasetron mesylate has the following structural formula:

ANZEMET® (dolasetron mesylate) Structural Formula Illustration

The empirical formula is C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₃•CH₃SO₃H•H₂O, with a molecular weight of 438.50. Approximately 74% of dolasetron mesylate monohydrate is dolasetron base.

Dolasetron mesylate monohydrate is a white to off-white powder that is freely soluble in water and propylene glycol, slightly soluble in ethanol, and slightly soluble in normal saline.

Each ANZEMET Tablet for oral administration contains dolasetron mesylate (as the monohydrate) and also contains the inactive ingredients: carnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, pregelatinized starch, synthetic red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and white wax. The tablets are printed with black ink, which contains lecithin, pharmaceutical glaze, propylene glycol, and synthetic black iron oxide.

What are the possible side effects of dolasetron (Anzemet)?

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking dolasetron and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
irregular heartbeats; or
muscle cramps or uncontrollable movements.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take dolasetron and talk to your doctor if you experience

...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Anzemet Tablets »

What are the precautions when taking dolasetron (Anzemet Tablets)?

Before taking dolasetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other 5-HT3 blockers (e.g., granisetron, 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), stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., recent surgery, ileus, swelling), kidney disease.

Dolasetron 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)...

Read All Potential Precautions of Anzemet Tablets »

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/6/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.