Lotronex

Generic Name: alosetron (oral) (a LO ze tron)

Brand Names: Lotronex

What is alosetron?

Alosetron blocks the action of a chemical called serotonin in the intestines. This slows the movement of stools (bowel movements) through the intestines.

Alosetron is used to treat severe, chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have had diarrhea as the main symptom for at least 6 months. Alosetron should be used only in women who have tried other IBS treatments without success. Alosetron has not been shown to be effective in men with IBS.

Alosetron is available only under a special program called the Prometheus Prescribing Program. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that you understand the risks and benefits of taking this medication.

Alosetron may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about alosetron?

Alosetron is available only under a special program called the Prometheus Prescribing Program. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that you understand the risks and benefits of taking this medication.

Do not start taking alosetron if you are constipated. If you have constipation while taking alosetron, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away. Serious or fatal side effects on the stomach and intestines have occurred in some people taking alosetron. In rare cases, alosetron has caused severe constipation, or ischemic colitis (caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines). Stop taking alosetron and call your doctor right away if you develop new or worsening constipation, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, or blood in your stools (bowel movements). If constipation does not improve or if it gets worse, do not start taking alosetron again until you talk to your doctor.

Alosetron does not improve the symptoms of IBS for everyone. When alosetron does work well, it helps reduce stomach pain and discomfort, bowel urgency, and diarrhea. Some or all symptoms may improve within one to two weeks of treatment.

Stop taking alosetron if your IBS symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment. If you stop taking alosetron, do not start taking it again without your doctor's advice.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking alosetron?

Do not use alosetron if you have:

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  constipation (especially if it is your main IBS symptom);

  
  


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  a history of severe or ongoing constipation;

  
  


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  obstruction or perforation of your intestines;

  
  


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  Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis;

  
  


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  blood clots, or circulation problems affecting your intestines;

  
  


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  severe liver disease; or

  
  


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  if you are also taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.

  
  

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the conditions listed above.

Serious or fatal side effects on the stomach and intestines have occurred in some people taking alosetron. In rare cases, alosetron has caused severe constipation, or ischemic colitis (caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines). Stop taking alosetron and call your doctor right away if you develop new or worsening constipation, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, or blood in your stools (bowel movements). If constipation does not improve or if it gets worse, do not start taking alosetron again until you talk to your doctor. FDA pregnancy category B. Alosetron is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether alosetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take alosetron without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults and those who are ill or debilitated may be more likely to have serious complications from constipation. This medicine should not be given to a child younger than 18 years old.

How should I take alosetron?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Alosetron may be taken with or without food.

Stop taking alosetron and call your doctor if you become constipated while taking alosetron.

Alosetron does not improve the symptoms of IBS for everyone. When alosetron does work well, it helps reduce stomach pain and discomfort, bowel urgency, and diarrhea. Some or all symptoms may improve within one to two weeks of treatment.

Alosetron is not a cure for irritable bowel syndrome. If you stop taking alosetron, symptoms may return within one week.

Stop taking alosetron if your IBS symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment. If you stop taking alosetron, do not start taking it again without your doctor's advice. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

See also: Lotronex dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking alosetron?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Alosetron side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking alosetron and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  new or worsening stomach pain;

  
  


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  bleeding from your rectum or blood in your stools; or

  
  


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  fast or uneven heartbeats.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  mild stomach discomfort, bloating, or nausea;

  
  


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  mild constipation;

  
  


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  burping with heartburn;

  
  


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  rectal hemorrhoids;

  
  


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  bloating or gas;

  
  


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  headache; or

  
  


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  skin rash.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect alosetron?

Do not take alosetron if you are also taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

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  cimetidine (Tagamet);

  
  


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  ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), voriconazole, (VFEND);

  
  


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  isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);

  
  


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  hydralazine (BiDil);

  
  


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  procainamide (Procanbid, Procan SR, Pronestyl);

  
  


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  HIV medicines such as tipranavir (Aptivus), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), or nelfinavir (Viracept); or

  
  


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  an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), clarithromycin (Biaxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), or telithromycin (Ketek).

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with alosetron. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Lotronex resources

• Lotronex Side Effects (in more detail)
• Lotronex Dosage
• Lotronex Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Lotronex Drug Interactions
• Lotronex Support Group
• 10 Reviews for Lotronex - Add your own review/rating

• Lotronex Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Lotronex Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Lotronex Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Lotronex MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Lotronex Consumer Overview

Compare Lotronex with other medications

• Diarrhea
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about alosetron.

See also: Lotronex side effects (in more detail)