Alosetron

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women who have diarrhea as their main symptom. Other symptoms may include cramping pain, belly discomfort, a sudden need to have a bowel movement or irregular bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation. Other names for this condition are irritable colon and spastic colon.

How does it work?

• Alosetron works by blocking one of the intestines chemicals called serotonin. This may decrease cramps, belly pain, the sudden need to have a bowel movement, and diarrhea. Some people who take this medicine see improvement in the first week of use; others may see relief in 1 month and others may not be helped at all.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an stomach upset.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Tell healthcare provider if you are constipated most of the time.
• Use caution in liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about stool softener, laxative, or stopping medicine.
• Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
• Sudden worsening of belly pain or bloody bowel movement.
• No bowel movement in 4 days.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition within 1 month or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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