Prescription Required
Description
Kytril is an oral tablet made up of a 5HT3 receptor antagonists drug called granisetron. We carry this medication in the brand choice and generic alternative in 1mg and 2mg.
Kytril is most commonly used in cancer patients to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy (a drug treatment) or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are methods of killing cancer cells, however, they also kill healthy cells in the process. The affected (healthy) cells are usually located in the protective lining of the mouth and digestive tract which then causes irritation leading to symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Kytril is used to prevent symptoms of nausea and vomiting and is effective due to its ability to block the serotonin in the body that triggers vomiting.
Directions
Your doctor will tell you before prescribing you Kytril (granisetron) exactly how to take this medication. Follow his or her directions, they can usually be found on the prescription label if you forget.
This medication is usually only taken the day of chemotherapy/radiation therapy, usually 1 dose an hour before treatment.
Sometimes a second dose may be given 12 hours following chemotherapy.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Cautions
Do not use Kytril (granisetron)
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to granisetron or other similar medications such as dolasetron, ondansetron, or palonosetron.
This medication has not been approved for those under the age of 18 years old.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
It is important to tell your doctor about all medical conditions before starting this medication, especially if you have liver disease, a heart rhythm disorder, an electrolyte imbalance, or a personal or family history of long QT syndrome.
If you have recently had surgery associated with the stomach or intestines; consult your doctor before using Kytril.
Risks
It is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby; if you become pregnant, tell your doctor.
It is not known if this medication will pass into breast milk or if it will harm a nursing infant; consult your doctor before breast feeding while using Kytril.
Taking Kytril with certain medication can cause high levels of serotonin in the body, which can be fatal. These medicines include lithium, ritonavir, St.Johns wort, antidepressants, migraine medicine, narcotic (opioid) medications, muscle relaxers, or other anti-nausea medications.
A serious heart problem can occur if Kytril is mixed with certain medications, which include antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Kytril (granisetron) may include:
headache, weakness; diarrhea, constipation; stomach pain, indigestion, loss of appetite; sleep problems (insomnia); or fever, flu symptoms.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Kytril (granisetron) may include:
headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
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.
FAQs
What do I do if I forget to take my dose?
Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose; consult your doctor if you forget to take your dose within 1 hour of chemotherapy or radiation.
Is this medication okay for children to use?
The efficiency and safety of this drug in children has not yet been established. Do not give this drug to a person under the age of 18.
What is the average dose for an adult needing chemotherapy? For radiation therapy?
The recommended adult dose for an adult needing chemotherapy is two 1mg tablets an hour before chemotherapy treatment. For radiation therapy; take 2mg given within 1 hour of radiation treatment.
What is the exact temperature I should store this medication at?
Store this medication at room temperature; 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C).
Need Help?
Call Our CareTeam
Our CareTeam Member will guide you to complete your order