Alosetron Hydrochloride(ah loss’ e tron)
Lotronex
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B
Drug Classes
5-HT3 (serotonin) antagonist
IBS drug
Therapeutic Actions
Blocks 5-HT3 (serotonin) receptors in the enteric nervous system of the GI tract; interacting with these receptors blocks visceral sensitivity, increases colonic transit time, decreases GI motility, may also decrease the perception of abdominal pain and discomfort.
Indications
Treatment of severe diarrhea-predominant IBS in women who have chronic IBS (longer than 6 mo), have no anatomic or biochemical abnormalities of the GI tract, and who have failed to respond to conventional therapy
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to the drug, history of chronic or severe constipation or sequelae from constipation; history of intestinal obstruction, stricture, toxic megacolon, GI perforation or adhesions; history of ischemic colitis, impaired intestinal circulation, thrombophlebitis, or hypercoagulable state; history of or current Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis; severe hepatic impairment; inability to understand or comply with the Physician–Patient Agreement.
Use cautiously with pregnancy, lactation, elderly patients, hepatic impairment.
Available Forms
Tablets—0.5, 1 mg
Dosages
Adults
0.5 mg PO bid for 4 wk; may be continued if drug is tolerated and symptoms of IBS are under adequate control. Dose may be increased up to 1 mg bid PO after 4 wk if well tolerated and needed.
Pediatric patients
Safety and efficacy not established for patients younger than 18 yr.
Geriatric patients or patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment
These patients may be at increased risk for complications from constipation; monitor very closely.
Pharmacokinetics
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