Dolasetron, an Antiemetic Drug

 Uses

This medication is used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment (chemotherapy).

 IUPAC Name: (10-oxo-8-azatricyclo [5.3.1.03,8] undecan-5-yl) 1H-indole-3-carboxylate

Drug Class: 5-HT3 Receptor antagonist

Route of administration: Intravenous or Oral

This is a prescribed drug, not an OTC drug

Drug Action Mechanism 

This medicine is an antiemetic. It works by preventing serotonin (a chemical messenger in the brain) from causing nausea and vomiting.

 Precautions

It is advisable to consult a doctor or physician before taking this medication. 

•  If the person is allergic to the drug or other antiemetic medications (such as ondansetron, granisetron) or has any other allergies, 
•  If the person is taking any prescribed, non-prescribed or any herbal medications,
•  If the person is suffering from hepatic disease, cardiac disease, abnormal heart rate, disease related to the stomach or intestines,
• If the person has low blood levels of magnesium, potassium, or sodium, the person may be more likely to experience QT prolongation (extended intervals between cardiac contraction and relaxation) when taking this medication.
• If the patient has undergone any type of surgery i.e., eye or ear surgery, 
• Consult a doctor if the person is pregnant or breastfeeding.

  Adverse Effects

Dolasetron’s side effects include tiredness, headache, dizziness, and irregular heart rate.