Dolasetron: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking
dolasetron mesylate (
Anzemet®) if you have:
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), especially long QT syndrome
- Low potassium levels in your blood (hypokalemia)
- Low magnesium levels in your blood (magnesium)
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Specific Warnings and Precautions for Dolasetron
Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking dolasetron include the following:
- Dolasetron can cause changes in the heart rhythm, including a particularly dangerous arrhythmia called QT prolongation. Having low potassium or magnesium in your blood or taking certain medications (see Drug Interactions With Dolasetron) can increase your risk of QT prolongation. If you already have an arrhythmia, you are also at risk for this side effect.
- Dolasetron is considered a pregnancy Category B medication. This means that it is probably safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not known (see Anzemet and Pregnancy).
- It is not known if dolasetron passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Anzemet and Breastfeeding).
