Alosetron (Systemic)
Brand Names : Lotronex
Category- Serotonin antagonist
- Irritable bowel syndrome therapy
agent
Description Alosetron (a-LOE-se-tron) is a medicine
used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have diarrhea as
their main symptom. IBS has been called by many names, including irritable
colon and spastic colon. IBS is a medical condition causing cramping abdominal
pain, abdominal discomfort, urgency (a sudden need to have a bowel movement),
and irregular bowel habits, such as diarrhea and constipation. It is not clear
why some people develop IBS. It may be caused by your body's overreaction
to a body chemical called serotonin. This overreaction may cause your intestinal
system to be overactive. Alosetron works by blocking the action of serotonin
on the intestinal system. This reduces the cramping abdominal pain, abdominal
discomfort, urgency, and diarrhea caused by IBS. Alosetron does not cure IBS
and it may not help every person who takes it.
Alosetron is available through a restricted marketing program. The restricted
marketing program is because of serious bowel side effects seen with the use
of this medication. Only doctors enrolled in the prescribing program for alosetron
can write a prescription. No telephone, facsimile, or computerized prescriptions
are permitted with this program. Each prescription order must be original
with a special sticker attached. Alosetron is available in the following dosage
forms:
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
† Not commercially available in Canada.
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