Summary
Commonly reported side effects of alosetron include: constipation. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
Applies to alosetron: oral tablet.
Warning
Oral route (Tablet)
Infrequent but serious gastrointestinal adverse reactions have been reported with alosetron hydrochloride, including ischemic colitis and serious complications of constipation, that resulted in hospitalization, blood transfusion, surgery, and death. Alosetron hydrochloride is indicated only for women with severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who have not responded adequately to conventional therapy. Immediately discontinue alosetron hydrochloride in patients who develop constipation or symptoms of ischemic colitis. Do not resume in patients who develop ischemic colitis. If constipation resolves, resume alosetron hydrochloride only on the advice of treating prescriber.
Serious side effects of Alosetron
Along with its needed effects, alosetron may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking alosetron:
More common
- Constipation
Rare
- Bloody diarrhea
- new or worsening stomach pain or discomfort
- rectal bleeding
Incidence not known
- Abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or burning
- black, tarry stools
- diarrhea
- fever
- heartburn
- indigestion
- nausea
- vomiting with or without blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking alosetron:
Symptoms of overdose
- Clumsiness, unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
- convulsions (seizures)
- difficulty breathing
- shakiness and unsteady walk
- withdrawn or socially detached behavior
Other side effects of Alosetron
Some side effects of alosetron may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Bleeding after bowel movement
- full or bloated feeling
- pressure in the stomach
- swelling of abdominal or stomach area
- uncomfortable swelling around rectal area
Incidence not known
- Headache
- skin rash
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to alosetron: oral tablet.
General
The most commonly reported side effects included constipation, abdominal discomfort/pain, diarrhea, and nausea.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Constipation (up to 75%)
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal discomfort, abdominal distention, abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, diarrhea, flatulence, gastrointestinal discomfort, gastrointestinal pain, hemorrhoid hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, nausea, reflux, regurgitation, viral gastroenteritis, vomiting
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspeptic symptoms, gastrointestinal lesions, gastrointestinal spasms, hyposalivation, ischemic colitis
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Abnormal tenderness, colitis, decreased gastric motility, diverticulitis, gastritis, gastroduodenitis, gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal intussusception, gastrointestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal signs/symptoms, hyperacidity, ileus, oral symptoms, positive fecal occult blood, proctitis, ulcerative colitis
Frequency not reported: Complications of colitis
Postmarketing reports: Impaction, perforation, small bowel mesenteric ischemia, ulceration[Ref]
Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Cough, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Breathing disorders
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Laryngitis, nose infection, throat infection, viral nose infection, viral throat infection[Ref]
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary frequency
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bladder inflammation, diuresis, female reproductive tract bleeding/hemorrhage, polyuria, sexual function disorders, urinary tract hemorrhage[Ref]
Hepatic
Common (1% to 10%): ALT elevation
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Abnormal bilirubin levels, cholecystitis
Frequency not reported: Elevated alkaline phosphatase, elevated AST, elevated bilirubin, hepatitis without jaundice[Ref]
Other
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatigue, malaise, pain, temperature regulation disturbances
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Cold sensation, ear infections, hot and cold sensations, viral ear infections[Ref]
Dermatologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sweating, urticaria
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Acne, allergic skin reaction, alopecia, dermatitis, dermatosis, eczema, folliculitis, hair loss, nail disorders, sebum disorders, skin infections, sweat disorders
Postmarketing reports: Rash[Ref]
Nervous system
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypnagogic effects
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Burning sensations, cognitive function disorder, equilibrium disorders, hypoesthesia, memory effects, sedation, taste disturbance, tremors
Frequency not reported: Headache[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cramps
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bone pain, muscle pain, muscle stiffness, rigidity, skeletal pain, tightness
Frequency not reported: Muscle spasms[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tachyarrhythmias
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Arrhythmias, contusions, extrasystoles, hematoma, hemorrhage, increased blood pressure[Ref]
Psychiatric
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anxiety
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Confusion, depressive moods, dreams[Ref]
Metabolic
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Disorder of calcium metabolism, disorder of phosphate metabolism, fluid disturbances, hyperglycemia, hypofunction[Ref]
Immunologic
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Fungal infections, fungal reproductive infections, reproductive infections[Ref]
Hematologic
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Quantitative hemoglobin defects, quantitative red cell defects[Ref]
Ocular
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Light sensitivity of eyes[Ref]
Endocrine
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hypothalamus/pituitary hypofunction[Ref]