Molecule

Drug Groups

approved

Description

Dolasetron is an antinauseant and antiemetic agent indicated for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with moderately-emetogenic cancer chemotherapy and for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Dolasetron is a highly specific and selective serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. This drug has not shown to have activity at other known serotonin receptors, and has low affinity for dopamine receptors.

Indication

For the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including initial and repeat courses of chemotherapy. Also used for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. This drug can be used intravenously for the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Pharmacology

Dolasetron is a highly specific and selective serotonin 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist, not shown to have activity at other known serotonin receptors and with low affinity for dopamine receptors. It is structurally and pharmacologically related to other 5-HT₃ receptor agonists. The serontonin 5-HT₃ receptors are located on the nerve terminals of the vagus in the periphery, and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema. It is suggested that chemotherapeutic agents release serotonin from the enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine by causing degenerative changes in the GI tract. The serotonin then stimulates the vagal and splanchnic nerve receptors that project to the medullary vomiting center, as well as the 5-HT₃ receptors in the area postrema, thus initiating the vomiting reflex, causing nausea and vomiting.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Hepatic

Absorption

Orally-administered dolasetron is well absorbed

Half Life

8.1 hours

Protein Binding

69-77%

Elimination

Hydrodolasetron is eliminated by multiple routes, including renal excretion and, after metabolism, mainly glucuronidation, and hydroxylation.

Distribution

* 5.8 L/kg [adults]

Clearance

* Apparent cl=9.4 mL/min/kg [Healthy volunteers with IV treatment dose up to 5 mg/kg]

References

External Links