Alosetron is a prescription medication used to treat severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) in women. It works by blocking certain receptors in the body that are involved in regulating the gastrointestinal tract. Alosetron can help relieve abdominal pain and discomfort and reduce the number of loose or watery stools associated with IBS-D. It is usually taken twice a day with food. Common side effects include constipation, headache, and nausea.
Alosetron, sold under the brand name Lotronex, is a medication used to manage severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) in women only. It works by blocking serotonin receptors in the gut, which helps to slow down the movement of stool and reduce diarrhea.
Alosetron is only available by prescription and is a last-resort treatment for IBS-D. This is because it can cause serious side effects, including:
- Ischemic colitis: This is a condition in which the blood supply to the intestines is reduced, which can damage the tissue and cause severe pain, bleeding, and even death.
- Severe constipation: Alosetron can slow down the movement of stool too much, which can lead to constipation.
- Other side effects: Alosetron can also cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headache.
Due to the risk of serious side effects, alosetron is only prescribed for women who have tried other treatments for IBS-D that have not worked and who meet certain other criteria. These criteria include:
- Being female
- Having severe diarrhea-predominant IBS-D that has not improved with other treatments
- Not having certain medical conditions, such as severe constipation, pseudomembranous colitis, or a history of ischemic colitis
If you are considering taking alosetron, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.