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Lotronex (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. Lotronex 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. Lotronex does not cure IBS and it may not help every person who takes it. Lotronex 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 Lotronex 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. Lotronex is available in the following dosage forms: Oral Tablets (U.S.) Lotronex 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. Lotronex is in a class of medications called serotonin antagonists. Lotronex works by slowing the movement of stool (bowel movements) through the intestines. Lotronex comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day with or without food. Take Lotronex 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 Lotronex 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 Lotronex. 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 Lotronex, your doctor may increase your dose . If you take the increased dose for 4 weeks and your symptoms are still not controlled, Lotronex is not likely to help you. Stop taking Lotronex and call your doctor. Lotronex may control IBS but will not cure it. If you and your doctor agree that you should continue to take Lotronex after the initial trial period, do not stop taking Lotronex without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking Lotronex, your IBS symptoms may return within 1 or 2 weeks. Brand names: - Alosetron - Lotronex |