Alosetron is a potent and highly selective serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist which has been evaluated for the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It blocked the fast 5HT3-mediated depolarisation of guinea-pig myenteric and submucosal neurons in vitro, with half-maximal inhibition at approximately 55 nmol/L. Alosetron attenuated the visceral nociceptive effect of rectal distension in conscious or anaesthetised dogs. It increased the compliance of the colon to distension in patients with IBS and delayed colonic transit in patients with IBS or carcinoid diarrhoea and in healthy volunteers. A single dose of alosetron 4 mg increased in vivo fluid absorption in normal human small intestine. In clinical trials in patients with IBS, alosetron 1 mg twice daily was effective in relieving abdominal pain and discomfort. Alosetron was most effective in female patients and particularly in those with diarrhoea-predominant IBS. In patients with IBS and healthy volunteers who received alosetron, the most common adverse event was constipation.