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Granisetron Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 25, 2024.

Applies to granisetron: intravenous solution.

Other dosage forms:

Common side effects of granisetron

Some side effects of granisetron may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • abdominal or stomach pain
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
  • headache
  • lack or loss of strength
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting

Less common

  • agitation
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • fear
  • heartburn
  • indigestion
  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
  • sour stomach
  • trouble with sleeping
  • unusual taste in the mouth

Serious side effects of granisetron

Along with its needed effects, granisetron may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking granisetron:

Less common

  • blurred vision
  • fever
  • nervousness
  • pounding in the ears
  • slow or fast heartbeat

Rare

  • arm, back, or jaw pain
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • chest tightness or heaviness
  • confusion
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • fainting
  • irregular heartbeat
  • nausea
  • shortness of breath
  • skin rash, hives, and itching
  • sweating

For healthcare professionals

Applies to granisetron: intravenous solution, oral solution, oral tablet, subcutaneous suspension extended release, transdermal film extended release.

General

ORAL: The most commonly reported side effects included headache, constipation, and asthenia.

PARENTERAL: The most commonly reported side effects included injection site reactions, constipation, headache, and diarrhea.

TRANSDERMAL: The most commonly reported side effects included constipation, QT prolongation, and headache.[Ref]

Local

PARENTERAL:

TRANSDERMAL:

Gastrointestinal

ORAL:

PARENTERAL:

TRANSDERMAL:

Nervous system

ORAL:

PARENTERAL:

TRANSDERMAL:

Drug-induced headache is generally mild. In clinical trials, headache typically resolved spontaneously or was relieved by analgesics.[Ref]

Other

ORAL:

PARENTERAL:

TRANSDERMAL:

Hepatic

ORAL:

PARENTERAL:

TRANSDERMAL:

Psychiatric

ORAL:

PARENTERAL:

TRANSDERMAL:

Hematologic

ORAL:

PARENTERAL:

TRANSDERMAL:

Dermatologic

ORAL:

PARENTERAL:

TRANSDERMAL:

Cardiovascular

ORAL:

PARENTERAL:

TRANSDERMAL:

Metabolic

ORAL:

PARENTERAL:

TRANSDERMAL:

Hypersensitivity

ORAL:

PARENTERAL:

TRANSDERMAL:

Respiratory

ORAL:

PARENTERAL:

TRANSDERMAL:

Musculoskeletal

TRANSDERMAL:

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Kytril (granisetron)." SmithKline Beecham

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

4. (2014) "Product Information. Sancuso (granisetron)." ProStrakan Group

Further information

Granisetron side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.