Kytril

Generic name: Granisetron (oral)
Drug class: 5HT3 receptor antagonists

Usage of Kytril

Kytril blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Kytril is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy or radiation).

Kytril side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Kytril: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;

increased blood pressure - severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, shortness of breath; or

high levels of serotonin in the body - agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.

Common Kytril side effects may include:

headache, weakness;

diarrhea, constipation;

stomach pain, indigestion, loss of appetite;

sleep problems (insomnia); or

fever, flu symptoms.

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.

Before taking Kytril

To make sure Kytril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

heart disease;

a heart rhythm disorder;

a personal or family history of long QT syndrome;

an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood); or

if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.

It is not known whether granisetron will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether granisetron passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Kytril is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Kytril

Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting--Radiation Induced:

2 mg orally given within 1 hour of radiotherapy.

Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting--Chemotherapy Induced:

2 mg orally once daily with two 1 mg tablets given up to 1 hour before chemotherapy. Alternatlety, 1 mg given twice daily with the first 1 mg tablet given up to 1 hour before chemotherapy, and the second tablet 12 hours after the first tablet.

Warnings

You should not use Kytril if you are allergic to granisetron or to similar medicines such as dolasetron (Anzemet), ondansetron (Zofran), or palonosetron (Aloxi).

Before taking Kytril, 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.

Kytril 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.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Kytril

Granisetron can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS.

Taking granisetron together with certain other medicines can cause high levels of serotonin to build up in your body, a condition called "serotonin syndrome," which can be fatal. Tell your doctor if you also use:

lithium;

ritonavir;

St. John's wort;

an antidepressant;

migraine headache medicine;

a narcotic (opioid) medication or muscle relaxer; or

other anti-nausea medications.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with granisetron, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Kytril.

Disclaimer

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