Reviews (11)Overview: Granisetron is used to reduce your chances of nausea and vomiting from radiation or chemotherapy. It works in your gut and brain to reduce feelings of nausea. Common side effects may include headache, constipation, and diarrhea. Serious side effects are less likely, but may include changes to your heart rhythm or a condition called serotonin syndrome. Contact your health care provider right away if you have a fast or skipping heartbeat or feel confused, anxious, or restless. Granisetron is available in a tablet and injectable form.
Uses
What is granisetron used for?
Granisetron is commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting that can happen when using medicines for cancer or radiation therapy.
Granisetron may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does granisetron work (mechanism of action)?
Granisetron blocks a specific receptor in the gut (intestines) and brain called 5-HT3 that normally causes nausea when your body is exposed to certain substances or other triggers, such as radiation. By blocking this receptor, granisetron reduces nausea caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
How is granisetron supplied (dosage forms)?
Granisetron is available as 1 mg oral tablets that are taken by mouth.
Granisetron is also available in injectable forms.
How should I store granisetron?
Granisetron should be stored at room temperature between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of granisetron?
The most common side effects of granisetron are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Headache
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Weakness/lack of energy
- Stomach pain/indigestion
There may be other side effects of granisetron that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of granisetron?
While less common, the most serious side effects of granisetron are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Granisetron may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking granisetron and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Heart Rhythm Changes. Granisetron may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take some medicines for other heart rhythm problems. Tell your health care provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.
Serotonin Syndrome.Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Granisetron can cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin (see Interactions). This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Sweating, fever, or flushing
- Confusion
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Seeing or hearing unusual things
- Dizziness
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
- Seizures
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use granisetron?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use/take granisetron.
- Granisetron
- Sancuso
- Sustol
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific granisetron products they stock.
What should I know about granisetron before using it?
Do not take granisetron unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share granisetron with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep granisetron out of the reach of children.
What should I tell my health care provider before using granisetron?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if granisetron is right for you.
Abdominal Surgery. Tell your health care provider if you have had recent surgery on your gut (stomach or intestines). In this case, as granisetron prevents nausea and vomiting, it may be harder to know if you are having complications from your surgery, such as any blockage, for example.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Granisetron may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking granisetron, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how granisetron could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if granisetron passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does granisetron interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between granisetron and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect granisetron.
Does granisetron interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking granisetron.
- Medicines (within the past 2 weeks) that can cause QT prolongation, which is a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem
- A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
- A serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
- A type of medicine called a triptan, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), eletriptan (Relpax), and others, which is commonly used to treat migraines
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with granisetron. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much granisetron?
If you or someone else has used too much granisetron, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of granisetron?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Granisetron Hydrochloride
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