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:

Oral
• Tablets (U.S.)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Lotronex

† Not commercially available in Canada.