Alosetron

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Approved Treatment Indication :

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diarrhea ... show more

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Summary

What conditions is Alosetron used for?
Alosetron is used to treat severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have not responded to other treatments.
How does Alosetron work in the body?
Alosetron works by blocking serotonin (5-HT3) receptors. This slows the movement of stool through the intestines, reducing symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urgency.
What are the usual dosages and routes of administration for Alosetron?
Alosetron is typically prescribed as 0.5 mg taken twice a day. If symptoms are not adequately controlled, the dose may be increased to 1 mg twice a day after 4 weeks.
What are the most commonly observed adverse effects of Alosetron?
Common side effects include constipation, abdominal discomfort and pain, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Serious adverse effects include ischemic colitis and severe constipation.
What are important safety warnings and contraindications for Alosetron?
Alosetron should not be taken by patients with a history of severe bowel or hepatic disorders, or those taking fluvoxamine. It can cause serious gastrointestinal side effects, including ischemic colitis and severe constipation, which can be life-threatening.

Approvals

US(FDA)

Essential Medicine

NO

Teratogenicity

Unlisted

Pharmaceutical Class

Serotonin-3 Receptor Antagonist

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Drug Ingredient

Alosetron

Know More About This Medicine -

Summary

What conditions is Alosetron used for?
Alosetron is used to treat severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have not responded to other treatments.
How does Alosetron work in the body?
Alosetron works by blocking serotonin (5-HT3) receptors. This slows the movement of stool through the intestines, reducing symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urgency.
What are the usual dosages and routes of administration for Alosetron?
Alosetron is typically prescribed as 0.5 mg taken twice a day. If symptoms are not adequately controlled, the dose may be increased to 1 mg twice a day after 4 weeks.
What are the most commonly observed adverse effects of Alosetron?
Common side effects include constipation, abdominal discomfort and pain, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Serious adverse effects include ischemic colitis and severe constipation.
What are important safety warnings and contraindications for Alosetron?
Alosetron should not be taken by patients with a history of severe bowel or hepatic disorders, or those taking fluvoxamine. It can cause serious gastrointestinal side effects, including ischemic colitis and severe constipation, which can be life-threatening.

Indications and Purpose

What is Alosetron used for?

Alosetron is indicated for the treatment of severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have not responded adequately to conventional therapy. It is specifically for women with chronic IBS symptoms lasting 6 months or longer, with no anatomic or biochemical abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract.

How does Alosetron work?

Alosetron is a selective antagonist of the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor, which is involved in regulating visceral pain, colonic transit, and gastrointestinal secretions. By blocking these receptors, Alosetron slows the movement of stool through the intestines, reducing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urgency associated with IBS.

Is Alosetron effective?

Alosetron has been studied in multiple clinical trials, showing effectiveness in women with severe diarrhea-predominant IBS. It has been shown to reduce abdominal pain, discomfort, bowel urgency, and diarrhea. However, it is only indicated for women who have not responded adequately to conventional therapy.

How does one know if Alosetron is working?

The benefit of Alosetron is evaluated by assessing the control of IBS symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bowel urgency. Patients should have a follow-up with their doctor after starting treatment to discuss symptom control and any side effects. If symptoms are not adequately controlled after 4 weeks, the medication may be discontinued.

Directions for Use

What is the usual dose of Alosetron?

Alosetron is typically prescribed for adult women with severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg twice a day. If well-tolerated but not effective, the dose may be increased to 1 mg twice a day after 4 weeks. Alosetron is not recommended for use in children.

How do I take Alosetron?

Alosetron should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor, usually twice a day, with or without food. There are no specific food restrictions mentioned in the content, but patients should follow their doctor's advice regarding diet and inform them of any other medications or supplements they are taking.

For how long do I take Alosetron?

Alosetron is used to manage symptoms of IBS and is not a cure. The duration of use depends on the individual's response to the medication. If symptoms are not adequately controlled after 4 weeks of treatment with the maximum dose, it is unlikely to be effective, and the medication should be discontinued.

How long does it take for Alosetron to start working?

The content does not specify how long it takes for Alosetron to start working. However, patients are advised to follow up with their doctor after 4 weeks of treatment to assess symptom control. If symptoms are not adequately controlled after this period, the medication may be discontinued.

How should I store Alosetron?

Alosetron should be stored in its original container, tightly closed, at room temperature (20-25°C), and away from light, excess heat, and moisture. It should be kept out of reach of children. Unneeded medication should be disposed of through a medicine take-back program, not flushed down the toilet.

Warnings and Precautions

Who should avoid taking Alosetron?

Alosetron can cause serious gastrointestinal side effects, including ischemic colitis and severe constipation, which may require hospitalization and can be life-threatening. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe bowel or hepatic disorders, and those taking fluvoxamine. Patients should stop taking Alosetron and contact their doctor if they experience constipation or symptoms of ischemic colitis.

Can I take Alosetron with other prescription drugs?

Alosetron should not be taken with fluvoxamine, a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor, as it significantly increases Alosetron plasma concentrations. Caution is advised when taking Alosetron with other CYP1A2 inhibitors, such as cimetidine, and CYP3A4 inhibitors, like ketoconazole, as they may alter Alosetron's metabolism.

Can I take Alosetron with vitamins or supplements?

The provided content does not specifically mention interactions between Alosetron and vitamins or supplements. However, patients should inform their healthcare provider about all supplements they are taking to avoid potential interactions and ensure safe use of Alosetron.

Can Alosetron be taken safely while pregnant?

There is insufficient data on the use of Alosetron in pregnant women to draw conclusions about risks for major birth defects or miscarriage. Animal studies have not shown adverse developmental effects at high doses. Pregnant women should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider before using Alosetron.

Can Alosetron be taken safely while breastfeeding?

There is no data on the presence of Alosetron in human milk or its effects on the breastfed infant. Alosetron and its metabolites are present in the milk of lactating rats, suggesting it may be present in human milk. Breastfeeding mothers should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the potential risks of Alosetron exposure to the infant.

Is Alosetron safe for the elderly?

Elderly patients may be at greater risk for complications of constipation when taking Alosetron. Therefore, appropriate caution and follow-up should be exercised if Alosetron is prescribed for these patients. It is important for elderly patients to report any side effects, especially constipation, to their healthcare provider promptly.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Alosetron?

The content does not specifically address whether Alosetron limits the ability to exercise. However, if a patient experiences side effects such as abdominal pain or constipation, these could potentially impact their ability to exercise comfortably. Patients should consult their healthcare provider if they have concerns about exercising while taking Alosetron.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Alosetron?

The provided content does not specifically mention the effects of alcohol on the safety or effectiveness of Alosetron. It is generally advisable to consult with a healthcare provider regarding alcohol consumption while taking any medication, as alcohol can potentially interact with medications and affect their efficacy or increase side effects.