Alosetron (By mouth)
a-LOE-se-tron
Treats irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Drug classes
Antidiarrheal, Gastrointestinal Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Alosetron is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have diarrhea as their main symptom. This medicine is only used in severe cases of IBS that have not responded to other therapy. IBS is also known as irritable colon or spastic colon. IBS may be caused by a chemical called serotonin, which causes your intestinal system to be overactive. Alosetron works by blocking the action of serotonin on the intestine. This reduces the cramping abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, urgency (sudden need for a bowel movement), and diarrhea caused by IBS. Alosetron does not cure IBS and may not help every person who takes it.
Alosetron is available through a restricted marketing program. Only doctors enrolled in the prescribing program can write a prescription for alosetron.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use alosetron if you are also using fluvoxamine.
Some medicines can affect how alosetron works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, telithromycin Antifungal medicine, such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole Cimetidine Hydralazine Isoniazid ProcainamideWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not take it if you had an allergic reaction to alosetron, or you have severe liver disease, a history of blood clots or severe constipation, or a bowel disease (such as blockage, colitis, Crohn disease, or diverticulitis).
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease. Tell your doctor about all digestive problems you have now or have ever had.
You will be asked to sign a patient acknowledgment form before you take this medicine. The form tells you about the risks of alosetron. Make sure you understand the information on the form before you sign it. If you have any questions, ask your doctor. You should not use alosetron if you do not understand the information on the form.
This medicine may cause a very serious bowel disease called ischemic colitis.
If you develop constipation, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor. Tell your doctor if the constipation does not go away after you have stopped taking the medicine. Do not start taking the medicine again until your doctor tells you to.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Constipation
Red or black stools
Stomach pain or cramps (new or worse)
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Lotronex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
