Palonosetron
Palonosetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist antiemetic used to prevent acute nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, particularly with agents that have a high risk of inducing these symptoms.
Palonosetron is an antiemetic that prevents chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting by blocking 5-HT3 serotonin receptors.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A04AA05
- RxNorm
- 70561
- Generic
- Palonosetron
- Class
- atc-a04
- Brands
- Akynzeo, Posfrea
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.25 mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose prior to chemotherapy
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.25 mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose prior to chemotherapy for children 6 months to 17 years
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.25 mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose prior to chemotherapy
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
generalno specific adjustment
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester unless essential
fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
generaluse with caution
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug depending on importance to mother
monitor infant for adverse effects
geriatric
generalno adjustment needed
standard adult dosing appropriate
monitor renal function
pediatric_age
1 month to 17 yearsweight-based dosing
approved for chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting in pediatric patients 1 month and older
standard pediatric monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
standard dosing
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited data available use only if benefits outweigh risks
monitor renal function closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
any severityno adjustment needed
standard dosing appropriate
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Palonosetron hydrochloride injection
Drug class
Antiemetic classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Brand names
Available commercial formulations
Prevention of acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately and highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy. May also be used for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Palonosetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist with strong binding affinity for these receptors and minimal affinity for other receptor types. By blocking serotonin at 5-HT3 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, it prevents chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting signals from being transmitted to the vomiting center.
Typically administered as a single intravenous dose 30 minutes before chemotherapy or as oral capsules. Generally well-tolerated with common side effects including headache, constipation, and diarrhea. Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity. May interact with other serotonergic medications. Pregnancy category B; use only if clearly needed.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy