Dolasetron
Also known as: Anzemet, Anemet, Zamanon
> **What is Dolasetron?** Dolasetron is a strong anti-nausea medication, most commonly used to prevent or treat severe vomiting associated with chemotherapy in pets. * **Administration**: The injectable form is usually given by your veterinarian at the clinic. If you are sent home with oral medication, it will likely be specially compounded (remade into a smaller pill or liquid) by a pharmacy, as the standard human tablets are too large for dogs and cats. * **Side Effects**: This medication is generally very well tolerated by pets. * **When to call the vet**: Contact your veterinarian if your pet continues to vomit despite the medication, or if you notice extreme lethargy, weakness, or collapse.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Anti-emetic, particularly for patients receiving chemotherapeutics
- Vomiting disorders
- Prevent vomiting
- Treat vomiting
- General anti-emetic
- Anti-emetic, particularly for patients receiving chemotherapeutics
- General anti-emetic
- Vomiting disorders
- Prevent vomiting
- Treat vomiting
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Dose-related ECG interval prolongation (PR, QTc, JT prolongation, and QRS widening)
- Headache (reported in humans)
- Dizziness (reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to dolasetron
- Atrioventricular (AV) block II to III
- Markedly prolonged QTc interval
- Use with extreme caution in patients susceptible to cardiac conduction interval prolongation. This includes patients with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, congenital QT syndrome, those receiving anti-arrhythmic drugs or diuretics that induce electrolyte abnormalities, or those who have received a cumulative high dose of anthracycline chemotherapy. Note that 5-HT3 antagonists are generally ineffective for vomiting associated with feline hepatic lipidosis or mechanical GI obstruction.
Drug interactions
- Atenolol: May reduce the clearance and increase blood levels of hydrodolasetron
- Cimetidine: May reduce the clearance and increase blood levels of hydrodolasetron
- Ketoconazole: May reduce the clearance and increase blood levels of hydrodolasetron
- Phenobarbital: Can reduce hydrodolasetron blood levels
- Rifampin: Can reduce hydrodolasetron blood levels
Frequently asked questions
What is Dolasetron used for in pets?
> **What is Dolasetron?** Dolasetron is a strong anti-nausea medication, most commonly used to prevent or treat severe vomiting associated with chemotherapy in pets. * **Administration**: The injectable form is usually given by your veterinarian at the clinic. If you are sent home with oral medication, it will likely be specially compounded (remade into a smaller pill or liquid) by a pharmacy, as the standard human tablets are too large for dogs and cats. * **Side Effects**: This medication is generally very well tolerated by pets. * **When to call the vet**: Contact your veterinarian if your pet continues to vomit despite the medication, or if you notice extreme lethargy, weakness, or collapse.
Is Dolasetron safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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