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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: Oral Tablets (U.S.) Alosetron is used to treat diarrhea, pain, cramps, and the feeling of an urgent need to have bowel movements caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; a condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea) in women who have diarrhea as their main symptom and have not been helped by other treatments. Alosetron is in a class of medications called serotonin antagonists. Alosetron works by slowing the movement of stool (bowel movements) through the intestines. Alosetron comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day with or without food. Take Alosetron at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Alosetron exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of Alosetron. Your doctor will want to talk to you after you have taken the low dose for 4 weeks. If your symptoms are not controlled but you are not experiencing serious side effects of Alosetron, your doctor may increase your dose . If you take the increased dose for 4 weeks and your symptoms are still not controlled, Alosetron is not likely to help you. Stop taking Alosetron and call your doctor. Alosetron may control IBS but will not cure it. If you and your doctor agree that you should continue to take Alosetron after the initial trial period, do not stop taking Alosetron without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking Alosetron, your IBS symptoms may return within 1 or 2 weeks. Brand names: - Alosetron - Lotronex |