Kytril

Generic Name: granisetron (oral) (gra NIS e tron)
Brand Names: Granisol, Kytril

What is granisetron?

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

Granisetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and anesthesia used during surgery.

Granisetron may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to granisetron.

Before taking granisetron, tell your doctor if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take granisetron.

Do not take granisetron on the days you do not have chemotherapy, unless your doctor has told you to.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking granisetron?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to granisetron.

Before taking granisetron, tell your doctor if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take granisetron.

FDA pregnancy category B. Granisetron is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether granisetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to anyone younger than 18 years old without a doctor's advice.

How should I take granisetron?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

Granisetron is usually taken up to 1 hour before chemotherapy or radiation starts. If you are taking this medication with chemotherapy, you may need to take a second granisetron dose 12 hours after your first dose. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not take granisetron on the days you do not have chemotherapy, unless your doctor has told you to.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Store granisetron at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle of liquid medicine tightly closed and in an upright position when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of granisetron is not expected to produce life-threatening side effects.

What should I avoid while taking granisetron?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using granisetron.

Granisetron side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using granisetron and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain, uneven heart rate;

• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or

• feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;

• diarrhea or constipation;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or upset;

• loss of appetite;

• drowsiness, weakness;

• dizziness, anxiety;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• temporary hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect granisetron?

There may be other drugs that can interact with granisetron. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about granisetron.

• 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.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 8.02. Revision Date: 4/12/2009 4:40:12 PM.

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