“>Generic Name: granisetron (oral) (gra NIS e tron)
Brand Names: Granisol, Kytril
What is Kytril?
Kytril blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that may cause nausea and vomiting.
Kytril is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and anesthesia used during surgery.
Kytril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Kytril
You should not use Kytril if you are allergic to granisetron.
Before taking Kytril, tell your doctor if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medicine.
Do not take Kytril on the days you do not have chemotherapy, unless your doctor has told you to.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Kytril?
You should not use Kytril if you are allergic to granisetron.
Before taking Kytril, tell your doctor if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Kytril.
FDA pregnancy category B. Kytril is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Kytril passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to anyone younger than 18 years old without a doctor’s advice.
How should I take Kytril?
Take Kytril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.
Kytril is usually taken up to 1 hour before chemotherapy or radiation starts. If you are taking this medication with chemotherapy, you may need to take a second Kytril dose 12 hours after your first dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Do not take Kytril on the days you do not have chemotherapy, unless your doctor has told you to.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Store Kytril at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle of liquid medicine tightly closed and in an upright position when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of Kytril is not expected to produce life-threatening side effects.
What should I avoid while taking Kytril?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using Kytril.
Kytril side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Kytril and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
chest pain, uneven heart rate;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or
feeling like you might pass out.
Less serious Kytril side effects may include:
headache;
diarrhea or constipation;
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or upset;
loss of appetite;
drowsiness, weakness;
dizziness, anxiety;
sleep problems (insomnia); or
temporary hair loss.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect Kytril?
There may be other drugs that can interact with Kytril. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about Kytril.
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the indication prescribed.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. (‘Multum’) is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum’s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum’s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.