title: Alosetron: ischemic colitis and serious complications of constipation.
abstract: Drugs such as alosetron that modulate serotonin effects by stimulating or blocking its receptors may play an important role in the treatment of some patients with irritable bowel system. In the case of alosetron, a 5HT-3 antagonist, an analysis of data from randomized clinical trials and postmarketing experiences have demonstrated a causal relationship between this drug and ischemic colitis and serious complications of constipation. Because the mechanism(s) of drug-induced ischemic colitis and possibly other forms of intestinal ischemia associated with alosetron have not been elucidated, there is need to further assess risk with regard to patient susceptibility and other factors.
authors.forename: Hugo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gallo-Torres
authors.forename: Allen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brinker
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Avigan
mesh_terms: D002243:Carbolines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017091:Colitis, Ischemic / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003248:Constipation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications*; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D002243:Carbolines; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; C090840:alosetron