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Short answer Starting alosetron: what to know Common questions Related questions Sources**Alosetron is a prescription medicine used to treat severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) in women whose symptoms have not improved with other treatments.**
It works on serotonin 5-HT3 receptors in the bowel, slowing stool transit so urgency, cramping, and loose stools ease up. Approval is narrow: it is meant for women with severe, chronic IBS-D lasting six months or longer, and it is not approved for men or for IBS with constipation. Because alosetron can cause serious constipation and ischemic colitis, it is prescribed under an FDA safety program, and your prescriber will review the risks with you before you start. Doctors usually begin at the lowest dose and reassess after about four weeks. Track your stool pattern and any abdominal pain each week so you and your clinician can tell whether it is helping.
Starting alosetron: what to know
Common questions
What is Alosetron used for?
Alosetron (brand name Lotronex) blocks serotonin 5-HT3 receptors in the gut, which slows how fast stool moves through the colon and reduces urgency, cramping, and diarrhea. It is approved only for women with severe, long-lasting IBS-D who have not responded to other therapies. It is not approved for men, for constipation-predominant IBS, or for short-term stomach bugs. Because it can cause serious constipation and ischemic colitis (reduced blood flow to the colon), it is prescribed under a special FDA safety program with counseling at every refill. Stop the medicine and call your doctor right away if you develop constipation or rectal bleeding.