Granisetron: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Granisetron?

What is granisetron for?

This drug is a drug that is used alone or with other drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatments (chemotherapy). It is also used to prevent and treat postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults.

Granisetron belongs to a class of drugs called 5-HT3 inhibitors. It works by blocking one of the body's natural substances (serotonin) that can cause vomiting.

How to use granisetron?

This medication is administered intravenously as directed by your doctor, usually 30 minutes before cancer chemotherapy or before / during / after surgery. This medicine can be given directly intravenously for 30 seconds, or it can be mixed in IV fluids and given intravenously for a longer time (5 minutes).

If you are using this medication yourself at home, learn all preparation and instructions for use from your healthcare professional. Before using it, check the product for graininess or discoloration. If something looks wrong, don't use the liquid. Learn how to store and dispose of medical supplies safely.

Do not mix granisetron with other drugs in the same injection or inject other drugs in the same vessel at the same time. If you have any questions about using this medication correctly, consult your pharmacist.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Dosage can also be based on body weight. Use this medication exactly as directed for its best benefit. Do not use more of the medication or use it more often than prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Tell your doctor if your nausea doesn't develop or if it gets worse.

How to store granisetron?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Granisetron dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for granisetron for adults?

Adult Dose for Nausea / Vomiting Due to Chemotherapy

IV: 10 mcg / kg for 5 minutes, initially 30 minutes before the initiation of chemotherapy.
Orally: 2 mg, given up to 1 hour before chemotherapy, or 1 mg twice daily (the first dose is given up to 1 hour before chemotherapy, and the second dose is given 12 hours later).

Transdermal granisetron system: apply one patch to the top of the hand at least 24 hours before chemotherapy. The patch can be placed up to a maximum of 48 hours before chemotherapy as adjusted. Remove the patch at least 24 hours after chemotherapy is finished. The patch can be used for up to 7 days depending on the duration of the chemotherapy regimen. The transdermal Granisetron System is a 52 cm2 patch containing 34.3 mg of granisetron. The patch releases 3.1 mg of granisetron per 24 hours for up to 7 days.

Adult Dose for Radiation-induced Nausea / Vomiting

2 mg orally given for 1 hour of radiotherapy.

Adult Dose for Post-Surgical Nausea / Vomiting

Prevention and treatment
IV: 1 mg thawed for 30 seconds, given before induction of anesthesia, or as soon as possible before reversal of anesthesia, or given after surgery.

What is the dosage for granisetron for children?

Children's Dose for Nausea / Vomiting - Due to Chemotherapy

2 - 16 years: 10 mcg / kg IV 30 minutes before starting chemotherapy.

Studies (n = 80)
Randomized double-blind clinical studies have used granisetron injections within a range of 10-40 mcg / kg.

In what dosage is granisetron available?

• solution, intravenous: 0.1 mg / ml, 1mg / ml, 4 mg / 4ml
• solution, oral: 2 mg / 10 ml
• tablet, orally: 1 mg

Granisetron side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to granisetron?

Side effects: headache, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, or pain / redness / swelling at the injection point may occur. If any side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has decided whether it will benefit you outweigh the risk of side effects. Many people using this drug have no serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including stomach upset.

Seek medical help immediately if there are rare but serious side effects: chest pain, fast / irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.

Very serious allergic reactions to this drug are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, namely: rash, hives / swelling (especially of the face / tongue / throat), severe dizziness, breathing problems.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Granisetron Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using granisetron?

Before using granisetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to granisetron, allosetron (Lotronex), dolasetron (Anzemet), ondansetron (Zofran, Zuplenz), palonosetron (Aloxi, in Akynzeo), other drugs, or any ingredient in granisetron tablets.. Ask your pharmacist for a list of ingredients.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are using or plan to use. Make sure you mention some of the following drugs: fentanyl (Abstral, Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora, Lazanda, Onsolis, Subsys); ketoconazole (Nizoral), lithium (Lithobid); drugs to treat migraines such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and zolmitriptan (Zomig); methylene blue; mirtazapine (Remeron); monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors including isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate); phenobarbital; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, in Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil, Pexeva), and sertraline (Zoloft); and tramadol (Conzip, Ultram, in Ultracet). Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or monitor you closely for side effects.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using granisetron, call your doctor.

Is granisetron safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Granisetron Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with granisetron?

Interactions with other drugs can affect how the drug works and increase the risk of dangerous side effects. This article does not list all possible drug interactions. Record all medicinal products you use (including prescription, non-prescription and herbal medicines) and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's permission.

Some of the products that may interact with this drug are: apomorphine.

Several drugs besides granisetron can cause heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others.

The risk of serotonin-containing syndromes / drugs increases if you are also taking other drugs that also increase serotonin. Examples are street drugs such as MDMA / "ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine / paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine / venlafaxine), among others.

The risk of serotonin-containing syndromes / drugs can be more like when you start or increase the dose of this drug.

Can food or alcohol interact with granisetron?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with granisetron?

The presence of other medical problems can affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, specifically:

• allergy to 5-HT3 selective receptor antagonists (such as allosetron, dolasetron, ondansetron, or palonosetron) —Use with caution. It's more like you will also be allergic to granisetron
• intestinal obstruction
• gastric distension (enlargement of the stomach) - can protect against symptoms of stomach or intestinal problems, especially in patients who have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery
• electrolyte imbalance
• heart disease - can increase the risk of prolonged QT interval
• heart rhythm problems (eg, arrhythmia, prolonged QT interval) - use with caution. Can improve this condition to get worse

Granisetron overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms can include hypoglycemia and headache.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.