Granisetron belongs to a class of medications called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It can suppress a chemical in the brain which causes nausea and vomiting. It is indicated for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced, radiotherapy-induced, and postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Granisetron can be taken orally as tablets, injected intravenously/subcutaneously, or applied topically as transdermal patches.
Listed below are the indications and the dosages, which patients with poor renal function may need a lower dose.
Prevention of nausea/vomiting associated with high-emetogenic chemotherapy:
Intravenous injection: 1 mg or 10 mcg/kg once.
Subcutaneous injection: 10 mg once
Oral tablet: 2 mg once
Transdermal patches: Apply 1 patch 24-48 hrs prior to chemotherapy
Note:
Prevention of nausea/vomiting associated with moderate-emetogenic chemotherapy:
Intravenous injection: 1 mg or 10 mcg/kg once.
Subcutaneous injection: 10 mg once
Oral tablet: 2 mg once
Transdermal patches: Apply 1 patch 24-48 hrs prior to chemotherapy
Note:
Prevention of nausea/vomiting associated with low-emetogenic chemotherapy:
Intravenous injection: 1 mg or 10 mcg/kg once prior to chemotherapy
Subcutaneous injection: 10 mg once prior to chemotherapy
Oral tablet: 2 mg once prior to chemotherapy
Transdermal patches: Apply 1 patch 24-48 hrs prior to chemotherapy
Prevention of nausea/vomiting associated with oral chemotherapy agents:
1-2 mg orally once prior to chemotherapy as needed.
Prevention of nausea/vomiting associated with moderate- to high-emetogenic radiotherapy:
2 mg orally once daily, administered 1-2 hours prior to each fraction of radiation in combination with Dexamethasone.
Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting:
1 mg intravenously over 30 seconds, administered before induction of anesthesia or immediately before reversal of anesthesia.
People who are allergic to Granisetron, other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, or any component of the formulation.
Common dosing schedule:
Granisetron can be taken with or without food. Please refer to the above section for specific administering instruction.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Granisetron may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Granisetron is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Granisetron in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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