What drug class is Lotronex?
Lotronex (alosetron hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Lotronex may be used alone or with other medications. Lotronex belongs to a class of drugs called IBS Agents; Selective 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists.
When was Lotronex taken off the market?
Lotronex was taken off the market in November 2000, less than 10 months after it was approved, because it was linked to severe intestinal problems and several deaths.
What is Lotronex used for?
Alosetron is used to treat women with severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who have diarrhea as the main problem. It is not a cure, but it may help to decrease abdominal pain, sudden urges to have a bowel movement, and diarrhea.
Why was alosetron taken off the market?
Alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex), a prescription drug manufactured by GlaxoWellcome, and used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women, has been withdrawn after reports of serious complications.
Who manufactures Lotronex?
Lotronex – A Sebela Pharmaceuticals Product.
What are the side effects of Lotronex?
Common side effects of Lotronex include:
- headache.
- stomach upset or discomfort.
- hemorrhoids.
- bloating.
- gas.
- nausea.
- constipation.
- burping with heartburn.
What company makes Alosetron?
Alosetron, sold under the brand name Lotronex among others, is a 5-HT3 antagonist used for the management of severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women only. It was patented in 1987 and approved for medical use in 2002. It is currently marketed by Prometheus Laboratories Inc.
Why is alosetron only used in females?
In contrast to age, sex was associated with significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of alosetron, independent of smoking habit and body weight. The clearance of alosetron by metabolism was lower in women than in men.
Who can take alosetron?
Alosetron hydrochloride tablets are indicated only for women with severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who have:
- chronic IBS symptoms (generally lasting 6 months or longer),
- had anatomic or biochemical abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract excluded, and.
Why is alosetron not used in men?
Alosetron has not been studied in large numbers of men and is not approved or recommended for men because smaller studies showed that it had no benefit among men. Despite the caveats, alosetron represents an important step forward in the treatment of IBS.
How long does Lotronex take to work?
This medicine can help reduce stomach pain and discomfort, bowel urgency, and diarrhea. Some or all symptoms may improve within 1 to 2 weeks of treatment. Stop taking alosetron and call your doctor if your IBS symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.
What is the brand name for lubiprostone?
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s used to treat three types of constipation in adults: chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
What is Lotronex? Lotronex (alosetron) blocks the action of a chemical called serotonin in the intestines. This slows the movement of stools (bowel movements) through the intestines. Lotronex is used to treat severe, chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women with diarrhea as the main symptom for at least 6 months.
How does Lotronex work to treat IBS?
This slows the movement of stools (bowel movements) through the intestines. Lotronex is used to treat severe, chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women with diarrhea as the main symptom for at least 6 months.
Are there any risks in taking Lotronex?
Understand that LOTRONEX has serious risks for some people. Read and follow the directions in the Medication Guide. LOTRONEX is a medicine only for some women with severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) whose main problem is diarrhea; whose IBS symptoms have lasted 6 months or longer and have not been helped enough by other treatments.
How long does it take for Lotronex to work?
Lotronex does not improve the symptoms of IBS for everyone. This medicine can help reduce stomach pain and discomfort, bowel urgency, and diarrhea. Some or all symptoms may improve within 1 to 2 weeks of treatment. Stop taking Lotronex and call your doctor if your IBS symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.