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Palonosetron: uses, side effects & brands
Palonosetron is a long-acting anti-sickness medicine for chemotherapy. It belongs to the Anti-nausea (chemotherapy) group. These prevent the strong nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Anti-nausea (chemotherapy) |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Preventing early and delayed nausea from chemotherapy
- Preventing nausea and vomiting after surgery
- Used together with other anti-sickness medicines for strong chemotherapy
Common brand names
- India: Palnoz, Palosure
- Worldwide: Aloxi
Common side effects
- Headache
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
Before taking it — precautions
- Given by your cancer or surgical team as part of a planned regimen
- Tell your doctor about heart-rhythm problems
- Mention antidepressants or migraine medicines (risk of serotonin syndrome)
When to see a doctor urgently
- Facial swelling, rash or breathing difficulty (urgent)
- Palpitations or fainting
- Agitation, fever, shaking and fast heartbeat (possible serotonin syndrome) (urgent)
Frequently asked questions
Why is palonosetron called long-acting?
It stays in the body much longer than older medicines like ondansetron, so one dose before chemotherapy also helps with nausea over the next few days.
Will I need other anti-sickness medicines too?
Often yes. For strong chemotherapy it is usually combined with a steroid and sometimes aprepitant or a similar medicine.
Can it cause constipation?
Yes, constipation and headache are the most common side effects. Tell your team if you have not opened your bowels for several days.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.