MedlinePlus Drug Information: Granisetron

Skip navigation


Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Granisetron

(gra ni' se tron)

Brand name(s): Kytril

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?	What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Granisetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Granisetron is in a class of medications called 5-HT

How should this medicine be used?

Granisetron comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. When taken to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, granisetron is usually taken 1 hour before chemotherapy is begun. A second dose may be taken 12 hours after the first dose. When taken to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by radiation, granisetron is usually taken within 1 hour before treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take granisetron exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking granisetron,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to granisetron, dolasetron (Anzemet), ondansetron, (Zofran), or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention ketoconazole (Nizoral). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking granisetron, call your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Granisetron should only be taken before chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as instructed by your doctor. It should not be taken on a regularly scheduled basis.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Granisetron may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

headache
weakness
stomach pain
heartburn
constipation
diarrhea
pain
dizziness
drowsiness
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
nervousness
cough
fever

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

hives
skin rash
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fainting
blurred vision

Granisetron may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

headache

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 07/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer