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Palonosetron
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Serotonin 3 Receptor Antagonists [MoA] | MoA | All 22 members |
| Serotonin-3 Receptor Antagonist [EPC] | EPC | All 22 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201533-001 | PALONOSETRON HYDROCHLORIDE | INJECTABLE | PALONOSETRON HYDROCHLORIDE | Discontinued | — | ||
| 201533-002 | PALONOSETRON HYDROCHLORIDE | INJECTABLE | PALONOSETRON HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | AP | RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 1 | Labeling | Approved | October 24, 2019 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Not Applicable | Approved | April 21, 2016 | — |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20210111). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is indicated in adults for prevention of: acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (MEC). acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (HEC). postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) for up to 24 hours following surgery. Efficacy beyond 24 hours has not been demonstrated. As with other antiemetics, routine prophylaxis is not recommended in patients in whom there is little expectation that nausea and/or vomiting will occur postoperatively. In patients where nausea and vomiting must be avoided during the postoperative period, Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is recommended even where the incidence of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting is low. Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is indicated in pediatric patients 1 month to less than 17 years of age for prevention of: acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy. Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is a serotonin-3 (5-HT 3 ) receptor antagonist indicated in: Adults for prevention of : acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (MEC). ( 1 ) acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (HEC). ( 1 ) postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) for up to 24 hours following surgery. Efficacy beyond 24 hours has not been demonstrated ( 1 ) Pediatric patients aged 1 month to less than 17 years for prevention of : acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (HEC). ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting ( 2.1 ) *Note different dosing units in pediatrics Age Dose* Infusion Time Adults 0.25 mg as a single dose Infuse over 30 seconds beginning approximately 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy Pediatrics (1 month to less than 17 years) 20 micrograms per kilogram (maximum 1.5 mg) as a single dose Infuse over 15 minutes beginning approximately 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy Instructions for Intravenous Administration For a dose of 0.25 mg, use the entire contents (5 mL) of the prefilled syringe. Do not use the prefilled syringe to administer a dose of less than 0.25 mg (5 mL). ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting The recommended dosage of Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection for prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with HEC and MEC in adults and associated with emetogenic chemotherapy, including HEC in pediatric patients 1 month to less than 17 years of age is shown in Table 1 . Table 1: Recommended Dosage of Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection for the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Chemotherapy in Adults and Pediatric Patients 1 Month to Less than 17 Years *Note different dosing units in pediatrics Age Dose* Infusion Time Adults 0.25 mg as a single dose Infuse over 30 seconds beginning approximately 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy Pediatrics (1 month to less than 17 years) 20 micrograms per kilogram (max 1.5 mg) as a single dose Infuse over 15 minutes beginning approximately 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy 2.2 Instructions for Intravenous Administration Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is supplied ready for intravenous administration at a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL (50 mcg/mL). Do not mix Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection with other drugs. Flush the infusion line with normal saline before and after administration of Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection. Inspect Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration. Expel air from syringe prior to administration. For a dose of 0.25 mg, use the entire contents (5mL) of the prefilled syringe. Do not use the prefilled syringe to administer a dose less than 0.25mg (5mL) Use aseptic technique while handling the syringe
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORM AND STRENGTHS Palonosetron hydrochloride injection is sterile, clear, and colorless solution: 0.25 mg palonosetron in 5 mL (0.05 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial 0.075 mg palonosetron in 1.5 mL (0.05 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial Injection: 0.25 mg palonosetron in 5 mL (0.05 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial ( 3 ) 0.075 mg palonosetron in 1.5 mL (0.05 mg/mL) single-dose vial ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4. CONTRAINDICATIONS Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is contraindicated in patients known to have hypersensitivity to palonosetron [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Hypersensitivity to palonosetron or any of its components ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock : reported in patients with or without known hypersensitivity to other selective 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists. If symptoms occur, discontinue Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection and initiate appropriate medical treatment. ( 5.1 ) Serotonin syndrome : reported with 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists alone, but particularly with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs. ( 5.2 , 7.1 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock, have been reported with administration of Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]. These reactions occurred in patients with or without known hypersensitivity to other 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection and initiate appropriate medical treatment. Do not reinitiate Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection in patients who have previously experienced symptoms of hypersensitivity [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. 5.2 Serotonin Syndrome The development of serotonin syndrome has been reported with 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists. Most reports have been associated with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, mirtazapine, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, and intravenous methylene blue). Some of the reported cases were fatal. Serotonin syndrome occurring with overdose of another 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist alone has also been reported. The majority of reports of serotonin syndrome related to 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist use occurred in a post-anesthesia care unit or an infusion center. Symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome may include the following combination of signs and symptoms: mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, with or without gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Patients should be monitored for the emergence of serotonin syndrome, especially with concomitant use of Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection and other serotonergic drugs. If symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, discontinue Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection and initiate supportive treatment. Patients should be informed of the increased risk of serotonin syndrome, especially if Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection is used concomitantly with other serotonergic drugs [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] .
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6. ADVERSE REACTIONS Serious or otherwise clinically significant adverse reactions reported in other sections of labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Serotonin Syndrome [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Most common adverse reactions in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in adults (≥5%) are: headache and constipation ( 6.1 ) postoperative nausea and vomiting (≥ 2%) are: QT prolongation, bradycardia, headache, and constipation. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Adults In double-blind randomized clinical trials for the prevention of nausea and vomiting induced by MEC or HEC, 1,374 adult patients received a single dose of Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection, ondansetron (Studies 1 and 3) or dolasetron (Study 2) administered 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Adverse reactions were similar in frequency and severity in all 3 treatment groups. Common adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients in these trials are shown in Table 2 . Table 2: Common Adverse Reactions* in Adults with Receiving MEC (Studies 1 and 2) or HEC (Study 3) * Reported in at least 2% of patients in any treatment group Adverse Reaction Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection 0.25 mg intravenously (N=633) Ondansetron 32 mg intravenously (N=410) Dolasetron 100 mg intravenously (N=194) Headache 9% 8% 16% Constipation 5% 2% 6% Diarrhea 1% 2% 2% Dizziness 1% 2% 2% Fatigue < 1% 1% 2% Abdominal Pain < 1% < 1% 2% Insomnia < 1% 1% 2% Less common adverse reactions, reported in 1% or less of patients, in Studies 1, 2 and 3 were: Cardiovascular: non-sustained tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension, hypertension, myocardial ischemia, extrasystoles, sinus tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia, supraventricular extrasystoles and QT prolongation. Dermatological: allergic dermatitis, rash Hearing and Vision: motion sickness, tinnitus, eye irritation and amblyopia Gastrointestinal System: diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, dry mouth, hiccups and flatulence General: weakness, fatigue, fever, hot flash, flu-like syndrome Liver: transient, asymptomatic increases in AST and/or ALT and bilirubin. These changes occurred predominantly in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy Metabolic: hyperkalemia, electrolyte fluctuations, hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, glycosuria, appetite decrease, anorexia Musculoskeletal: arthralgia Nervous System: dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, hypersomnia, paresthesia Psychiatric: anxiety, euphoric mood Urinary System: urinary retention Vascular: vein discoloration, vein distention In other studies, 2 subjects experienced severe constipation following a single Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection dose of approximately 0.75 mg (three times the recommended dose). Pediatrics Aged 2 Months to 17 Years In a pediatric clinical trial, 163 pediatric cancer patients with a mean age of 8 years received a single 20 mcg/kg (maximum 1.5 mg) intravenous infusion of Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection 30 minutes before beginning the first cycle of emetogenic chemotherapy [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . Adverse reactions were evaluated in pediatric patients receiving Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection for up to 4 chemotherapy cycles. The following adverse reactions were reported in less than 1% of patients: Nervous System: headache, dizziness, dyskinesia. General: infusion site pain. Dermatological: allergic dermatitis, skin disorder. Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting The most common adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of adul …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7. DRUG INTERACTIONS Serotonergic Drugs : Monitor for serotonin syndrome; if symptoms occur, discontinue Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection and initiate supportive treatment. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Serotonergic Drugs Serotonin syndrome (including altered mental status, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular symptoms) has been described following the concomitant use of 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists and other serotonergic drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Monitor for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. If symptoms occur, discontinue Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection and initiate supportive treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on palonosetron HCl use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed with the administration of oral palonosetron HCl during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 1,894 and 3,789 times the recommended human intravenous dose in rats and rabbits, respectively (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In animal reproduction studies, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed in pregnant rats given oral palonosetron HCl at doses up to 60 mg/kg/day (1,894 times the recommended human intravenous dose based on body surface area) or pregnant rabbits given oral doses up to 60 mg/kg/day (3,789 times the recommended human intravenous dose based on body surface area) during the period of organogenesis. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of palonosetron in human milk, the effects of palonosetron on the breastfed infant, or the effects of palonosetron on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection and any potential adverse effect on the breastfed infant from palonosetron or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Safety and effectiveness of Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection have been established in pediatric patients aged 1 month to less than 17 years for the prevention of acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including HEC. Use is supported by a clinical trial where 165 pediatric patients aged 2 months to less than 17 years were randomized to receive a single dose of Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection 20 mcg/kg (maximum 1.5 mg) administered as an intravenous infusion 30 minutes prior to the start of emetogenic chemotherapy [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . While this study demonstrated that pediatric patients require a higher palonosetron dose than adults to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, the safety profile is consistent with the established profile in adults [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Safety and effectiveness of Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection in neonates (less than 1 month of age) have not been established. Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Studies Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Two pediatric trials were performed. Pediatric Study 1, a dose finding study was conducted to compare two doses of palonosetron, 1 mcg/kg (maximum 0.075 mg) versus 3 mcg/kg (maximum 0.25 mg). A total of 150 pediatric surgical patients participated, age range 1 month to less than 17 years. No dose response was observed. Pediatric Study 2, a multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, parallel group, active control, single-dose non-inferiority study, compared intravenous palonosetron HCl (1 mcg/kg, maximum 0.075 mg) versus intravenous ondansetron. A total of 670 pediatric surgical patients participated, age 30 days to less than 17 years. The primary efficacy endpoint, Complete Response (CR: no vomiting, no retching, and no antiemetic rescue medication) during the first 24 hours postoperatively was achieved in 78.2% of patients in the palonosetron group and 82.7% in the ondansetron group. Given the pre-specified non-inferiority margin of - 10%, the stratum adjusted Mantel-Haenszel statistical non-inferiority …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Palonosetron is a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist with a strong binding affinity for this receptor and little or no affinity for other receptors. Cancer chemotherapy may be associated with a high incidence of nausea and vomiting, particularly when certain agents, such as cisplatin, are used. 5-HT 3 receptors are located on the nerve terminals of the vagus in the periphery and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema. It is thought that chemotherapeutic agents produce nausea and vomiting by releasing serotonin from the enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine and that the released serotonin then activates 5-HT 3 receptors located on vagal afferents to initiate the vomiting reflex. Postoperative nausea and vomiting is influenced by multiple patient, surgical and anesthesia related factors and is triggered by release of 5-HT in a cascade of neuronal events involving both the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. The 5-HT 3 receptor has been demonstrated to selectively participate in the emetic response.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Palonosetron hydrochloride injection contains palonosetron as palonosetron HCl, an antiemetic and antinauseant agent. It is a serotonin-3 (5-HT 3 ) receptor antagonist with a strong binding affinity for this receptor. Chemically, palonosetron hydrochloride is: (3a S) -2-[( S )-1-Azabicyclo [2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexahydro-1-oxo-1 H benz[ de ]isoquinoline hydrochloride. The empirical formula is C 19 H 24 N 2 O.HCl, with a molecular weight of 332.87. Palonosetron hydrochloride exists as a single isomer and has the following structural formula: Palonosetron hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in water and soluble in methanol. Palonosetron hydrochloride injection is a sterile, clear, colorless, non-pyrogenic, isotonic, buffered solution for intravenous administration. Palonosetron hydrochloride injection is available as a 5 mL or 1.5 mL single-dose vial. Each 5 mL vial contains: 0.25 mg palonosetron (equivalent to 0.28 mg palonosetron HCl), 207.5 mg mannitol, disodium edetate and sodium acetate trihydrate in water for intravenous administration. Each 1.5 mL vial contains: 0.075 mg palonosetron (equivalent to 0.084 mg palonosetron HCl), 62.25 mg mannitol, disodium edetate and sodium acetate trihydrate in water for intravenous administration. The pH of the solution in the 5 mL and 1.5 mL vials is 4.5 to 5.5, Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may have been added to adjust pH. structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10. OVERDOSAGE There is no known antidote to palonosetron. Overdose should be managed with supportive care. Dialysis studies have not been performed, however, due to the large volume of distribution, dialysis is unlikely to be an effective treatment for palonosetron overdose. A single intravenous dose of palonosetron (HCl) at 30 mg/kg (947 and 474 times the human dose for rats and mice, respectively, based on body surface area) was lethal to rats and mice. The major signs of toxicity were convulsions, gasping, pallor, cyanosis and collapse.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Palonosetron hydrochloride injection is supplied as a sterile, clear and colorless solution: 0.25 mg palonosetron in 5 mL (0.05 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial individually packaged in a carton (NDC # 55111-694-07). 0.075 mg palonosetron in 1.5 mL (0.05 mg/mL) in a s single-dose vial packaged in a carton containing 5 vials (NDC # 55111-694-19). Storage Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from freezing. Protect from light.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: PALONOSETRON HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68001-355-25 | 68001-355 | BluePoint Laboratories | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 CARTON (68001-355-25) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE | May 30, 2018 |
| 55111-694-07 | 55111-694 | Dr.Reddy's Laboratories Limited | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 CARTON (55111-694-07) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE | March 23, 2018 |
| 55111-694-19 | 55111-694 | Dr.Reddy's Laboratories Limited | 5 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 CARTON (55111-694-19) / 1.5 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE (55111-694-15) | March 23, 2018 |
| 63323-673-05 | 63323-673 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (63323-673-05) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE | September 19, 2018 |
| 63323-673-89 | 63323-673 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 10 SYRINGE, PLASTIC in 1 CARTON (63323-673-89) / 5 mL in 1 SYRINGE, PLASTIC (63323-673-21) | September 19, 2018 |
| 16714-834-01 | 16714-834 | NorthStar Rx LLC | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 CARTON (16714-834-01) / 5 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE | May 29, 2018 |
| 68001-355 | 68001-355 | BluePoint Laboratories | — | May 30, 2018 |
| 55111-694 | 55111-694 | Dr.Reddy's Laboratories Limited | — | March 23, 2018 |
| 63323-673 | 63323-673 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | September 19, 2018 |
| 16714-834 | 16714-834 | NorthStar Rx LLC | — | May 29, 2018 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.