Side Effects of Dolasetron

In studies, headache, fatigue, and diarrhea were the most common side effects seen with dolasetron. Side effects that were rarely reported (occurring in less than 2 percent of people taking the drug) included constipation, taste changes, and water retention. There are also a number of potentially serious side effects of dolasetron that require immediate medical attention, such as fainting, irregular heart rhythm, and chest pain.

Dolasetron Mesylate -- Drug Information

Dolasetron Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with dolasetron mesylate (Anzemet^®); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with dolasetron. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)

Possible Side Effects of Dolasetron

Dolasetron has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

In these studies, the most common side effects of dolasetron included:

Headaches -- in up to 22.9 percent of people
Fatigue -- up to 5.7 percent
Diarrhea -- up to 5.3 percent
Dizziness -- up to 4.4 percent
Fever -- up to 3.5 percent
Pain -- up to 3.1 percent
Indigestion or heartburn -- up to 3 percent
Chills or shivering -- up to 2.2 percent.

(Side Effects of Dolasetron Continued: Page 2)