What is Alosetron?
Alosetron is used to treat diarrhea, pain, cramps, and the feeling of an urgent need to have bowel movements caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; a condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea) in women who have diarrhea as their main symptom and have not been helped by other treatments. Alosetron is in a class of medications called serotonin antagonists. Alosetron works by slowing the movement of stool (bowel movements) through the intestines.
Brand Name
Lotrone
Other Names
What is Alosetron?
Alosetron is used to treat diarrhea, pain, cramps, and the feeling of an urgent need to have bowel movements caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; a condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea) in women who have diarrhea as their main symptom and have not been helped by other treatments. Alosetron is in a class of medications called serotonin antagonists. Alosetron works by slowing the movement of stool (bowel movements) through the intestines.
How
Alosetron may control IBS but will not cure it. If you and your doctor agree that you should continue to take alosetron after the initial trial period, do not stop taking alosetron without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking alosetron, your IBS symptoms may return within 1 or 2 weeks.
Side Effects
upset stomachhemorrhoidsSome side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the symptoms listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately.http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html
Precautions
Before taking alosetron,tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to alosetron or any other medications.do not take fluvoxamine (Luvox) while you are taking alosetron.tell your doctor if you have or have ever had the conditions listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or any stomach or bowel problems, surgery to your stomach or bowels, or liver or kidney disease.tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking alosetron, call your doctor.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
difficulty in breathingquiet behaviorwobbliness, difficulty in walkingshaking of a part of your body that you cannot controlseizures
What If I Forget
Do not take a missed dose when you remember it. Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Dietary Restrictions
Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Miscellaneous
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Other Uses
Alosetron should not be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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