Dolasetron Mesylate and Norvir (Ritonavir Oral Solution)

• Generic Name: dolasetron
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Anzemet

Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with emetogenic cancer chemotherapy; may use orally with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.

In December 2010, FDA informed healthcare professionals that IV dolasetron should no longer be used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in pediatric patients and adults because of the risk of prolongation of cardiac conduction intervals and development of abnormal heart rhythms. (See Cardiovascular Effects under Cautions.)

For prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens (including an anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide), ASCO recommends a 3-drug antiemetic regimen consisting of an NK1 receptor antagonist (e.g., either oral aprepitant or IV fosaprepitant), a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (e.g., dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron, palonosetron), and dexamethasone. ASCO states that fixed-combination netupitant and palonosetron plus dexamethasone is an additional treatment option.

For moderately emetogenic chemotherapy regimens, ASCO recommends a 2-drug antiemetic regimen preferably consisting of palonosetron and dexamethasone. If palonosetron is not available, a first-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (preferably granisetron or ondansetron) may be substituted. Limited evidence suggests that aprepitant may be added to this regimen; in such cases, use of any 5-HT3 receptor antagonist is appropriate.

For chemotherapy regimens with a low emetogenic risk, ASCO recommends administration of a single dose of dexamethasone prior to chemotherapy.

For chemotherapy regimens with minimal emetogenic risk, ASCO states that routine antiemetic administration is not necessary.

Oral or IV use for prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Routine prophylaxis not recommended in patients in whom there is little expectation that nausea and/or vomiting will occur postoperatively.

Recommended for patients who, in the clinician’s judgement, must avoid nausea and/or vomiting postoperatively, even when anticipated incidence is low.

• Generic Name: ritonavir
• Dosage Forms: capsule
• Other Brand Names: Norvir, Norvir Soft Gelatin

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