Anzemet

Drugs

Generic Name: Dolasetron mesylate
Product Name: Anzemet

Indication of Anzemet
Action of Anzemet
Dose Advice of Anzemet
Schedule of Anzemet
Common side effects of Anzemet
Uncommon side effects of Anzemet

Indication of Anzemet:

Anzemet is used in the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by cytotoxic chemotherapy.

It is also used in the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults.

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Action of Anzemet:

Dolasetron mesylate blocks serotonin receptors known as 5HT3-receptors. 5HT3-receptors are found in the neurones (nerve cells) of the gastrointestinal system, and also in the area of the brain that controls vomiting.

Chemotherapy agents release serotonin from gut cells, which stimulates these receptors and causes vomiting. Dolasetrons blockade of the 5HT3-receptors helps prevent and treat this
nausea and vomiting.

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Dose Advice of Anzemet:

Anzemet should be administered as a single daily dose. The injection can be administered over 30 seconds or diluted in 50ml normal saline and infused over a period of no more than 15 minutes. Rapid injection (>100mg/30sec) should be avoided.

Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting:
- Single 100mg (or 1.8mg/kg) injection should be given 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy agent.
- Single 200mg oral dose can also be given 2 hours prior to therapy.
- After cessation of a chemotherapy cycle, a maintenance dose of 200mg daily is recommended.
- Anzemet can be administered for a maximum of seven consecutive days related to a chemotherapy cycle.
- The effect of Anzemet can be improved by concurrent administration of corticosteroids.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting:
- Anzemet may be administered orally at the induction of anaesthesia or by a single injection at the cessation of anaesthesia.
- Recommended doses are 50mg by mouth or 12.5mg by injection.
- For treatment, 12.5mg may be administered by injection.

Administration:
- Solutions of Anzemet should be used as soon as prepared, although can be stored at 2-8C for up to 24 hours.
- Anzemet should not be mixed with any other drugs for injection and IV tubes should be adequately flushed between drugs.

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Schedule of Anzemet:

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Common side effects of Anzemet:

Anzemet is generally well tolerated. Common adverse effects include:
- Abdominal pain.
- Diarrhoea.
- Anxiety.
- Fever.
- Dizziness.
- Drowsiness.
- Constipation.
- Headache.
- Malaise.
- Transient change in liver enzymes.

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