palonosetron hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Selective serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist
Main role
Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy
Administration
Given into a vein by a healthcare professional before chemotherapy
Common effects
Headache, constipation, dizziness and diarrhoea
What is palonosetron hydrochloride used for?
The selected injection is licensed to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Prevention of acute nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic chemotherapy in adults.
Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy in adults.
Prevention of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in children aged at least one month.
How does palonosetron hydrochloride work?
Chemotherapy can trigger serotonin-mediated signals that activate vomiting pathways. Palonosetron selectively blocks 5-HT3 receptors and these signals.
palonosetron hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 250 micrograms
How to take palonosetron hydrochloride
This formulation is given into a vein by a doctor or nurse before chemotherapy and is not for self-injection. Tell the treatment team about constipation, possible bowel blockage, heart-rhythm problems, abnormal potassium or magnesium levels, pregnancy, breastfeeding and other medicines. Do not drive or operate machinery if it causes dizziness, sleepiness or fatigue.
Clear, colourless solution for intravenous use.
Single-use vial; any remainder is discarded.
Must not be mixed with other medicines.
palonosetron hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, collapse or shock
- Possible serotonin syndrome, with agitation or confusion, sweating, fever, tremor, muscle twitching or rigidity
- Possible bowel obstruction or faecal impaction, with severe abdominal pain or swelling, vomiting and inability to pass stool or wind
- Possible heart-rhythm disturbance, particularly with QT-risk factors or abnormal potassium or magnesium
palonosetron hydrochloride in pregnancy
Human pregnancy experience is lacking. The selected product should be used during pregnancy only when the prescriber considers it essential.
palonosetron hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether palonosetron enters human milk. The selected product information advises discontinuing breastfeeding during therapy; discuss this with the oncology team before administration.
palonosetron hydrochloride interactions
The treatment team should review prescribed, non-prescription and complementary products before administration.
SSRIs, SNRIs and other serotonergic medicines
Combined use has been associated with serotonin syndrome; monitor for mental-state changes, sweating, fever and neuromuscular symptoms.
Anti-arrhythmics and other QT-prolonging medicines
May increase concern about abnormal heart rhythms, particularly with other QT-risk factors.
Medicines that lower potassium or magnesium
Electrolyte abnormalities can increase susceptibility to QT-related heart-rhythm problems and should be corrected before treatment.
Common questions about palonosetron hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is palonosetron hydrochloride used for?
It helps prevent nausea and vomiting caused by moderately or highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy.
How is it given?
A healthcare professional gives the selected formulation into a vein in a supervised clinical setting.
Can children receive it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.