What is Kytril (Granisetron)?
Granisetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Granisetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy or radiation).
Granisetron may be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Kytril (Granisetron)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to granisetron or to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), ondansetron (Zofran), or palonosetron (Aloxi).
Before taking granisetron, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a heart rhythm disorder, an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood), or a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.
Granisetron is usually started up to 1 hour before chemotherapy. Tell your doctor if you forget to take the medication within the specified amount of time before your procedure.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Kytril (Granisetron)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to granisetron, to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), ondansetron (Zofran), or palonosetron (Aloxi).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take granisetron:
- liver disease
- a heart rhythm disorder
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood); or
- a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication 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.
Kytril Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Kytril (Granisetron)?
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.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- fast or pounding heartbeats
- fever, body aches, flu symptoms; or
- easy bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness
Less serious side effects may include:
- headache
- stomach pain or upset, loss of appetite
- diarrhea or constipation
- dizziness; or
- sleep problems (insomnia)
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Kytril Interactions
What other drugs affect Kytril (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.
What should I avoid while taking Kytril (Granisetron)?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Kytril Dosage
How should I take Kytril (Granisetron)?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Granisetron is usually started up to 1 hour before chemotherapy. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Measure the liquid form of granisetron 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 and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Kytril (Granisetron)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include headache.
What happens if I miss a dose of Kytril (Granisetron)?
Tell your doctor if you forget to take your dose within 1 hour before chemotherapy. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com