Dolasetron - Oral

Dolasetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

Take Dolasetron exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine within 1 hour before your chemotherapy.

If you miss a dose before your treatment, inform your doctor or nurse immediately.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart disease or problem e.g. sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms due to problems with your heart's natural pacemaker), congenital long QT syndrome (an inherited disease causing abnormally fast and erratic heartbeats), heart block
• low potassium level in the blood
• low magnesium level in the blood
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Dolasetron to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

For as long as you are taking this medicine, routine tests (e.g. electrolyte levels, ECG [test used to record the electrical activity of the heart]) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.

Dolasetron may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, tiredness, chills, joint or muscle pain, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, changes in taste, indigestion, constipation, abdominal pain, increased sweating, and ringing in the ears.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting
• agitation, confusion, hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent), fever, excessive sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms
• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, mirtazapine, isocarboxazid
• medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, verapamil, flecainide
• lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
• fentanyl (strong painkiller)
• cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
• rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dolasetron.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.