granisetron

Generic Name: granisetron
Other Brand Names: Kytril

What is granisetron?

Granisetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that may cause nausea and vomiting.

Granisetron is used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and anesthesia used during surgery.

Granisetron may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking granisetron?

Before taking granisetron, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have and about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, that you take. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Granisetron is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take granisetron without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy.

It is not known whether granisetron passes into breast milk. Do not take granisetron without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take granisetron?

Take granisetron exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of granisetron with a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Granisetron can be taken with or without food.

Store granisetron at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of granisetron?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Where can I get more information about granisetron?
Your pharmacist has information about granisetron written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of granisetron?

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking granisetron and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, or hives);

  • irregular heartbeats; or

  • muscle cramps or uncontrollable movements.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take granisetron and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • headache;

  • fatigue, drowsiness, or dizziness;

  • anxiety or agitation; or

  • diarrhea or constipation.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about granisetron?

Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

Granisetron can be taken with or without food.

What should I avoid while taking granisetron?
There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with granisetron unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect granisetron?

Granisetron has not been reported to interact with other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with granisetron.

What happens if I have an overdose of granisetron?

Seek emergency medical attention.

The only known symptom of a granisetron overdose is headache.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008