Granisetron
Generic name: granisetron (oral) [ gra-NIS-e-tron ]
Dosage form: oral tablet (1 mg)
Drug class:5HT3 receptor antagonists
What is 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 also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take granisetron if you are allergic to it.
To make sure granisetron 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.
Granisetron is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take granisetron?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Granisetron is usually taken only on the day of treatment with chemotherapy or radiation.
Your doctor may want you to take only one dose, up to 1 hour before chemotherapy or radiation.
For patients undergoing chemotherapy, a second dose of granisetron is sometimes given 12 hours after the first dose. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Do not share this medicine with another person.
Granisetron is not likely to be useful if you keep taking it during times when you are not receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.