Drug interactions
Arsenic trioxide + Dolasetron
Severity: Major
Arsenic trioxide and Dolasetron: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Arsenic trioxide causes marked QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and dolasetron adds further prolongation. The combination can precipitate life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arsenic trioxide and Dolasetron can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Arsenic trioxide belongs to Oncology; Dolasetron belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of ventricular repolarization.
What to do
Avoid dolasetron during arsenic trioxide therapy and use an antiemetic with less QT effect. Keep potassium and magnesium replete and monitor ECGs per the arsenic trioxide protocol.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Dolasetron
- Apomorphine + Dolasetron Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Dolasetron Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Other interactions of Arsenic trioxide
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arsenic trioxide with Dolasetron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arsenic trioxide and Dolasetron can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Arsenic trioxide causes marked QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and dolasetron adds further prolongation. The combination can precipitate life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Arsenic trioxide and Dolasetron?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid dolasetron during arsenic trioxide therapy and use an antiemetic with less QT effect. Keep potassium and magnesium replete and monitor ECGs per the arsenic trioxide protocol.
What other medicines interact with Dolasetron?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dolasetron with, for example, Apomorphine, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Dolasetron page.
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