Dronabinol
Generic Name:
Dronabinol
Brand Names:
Dronabinol Description:
Dronabinol is prescribed in combination with other medications to prevent symptoms of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting after other medications have been ineffective. Dronabinol is in a class of medications called antiemetics which work by blocking the chemical neurokinin, a substance from the brain that triggers nausea and vomiting. Dronabinol may also be prescribed to encourage appetite in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Dronabinol Side Effects:
The most common side effects of dronabinol include:
- Elevated mood
- Unusual thoughts
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Seizures
For more information, see our dronabinol side effects page.
Dronabinol Uses:
Dronabinol is prescribed to relieve symptoms of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting triggered by signals from the brain. It should be prescribed in conjunction with other medications that work by blocking signals from the stomach that may trigger nausea and vomiting.
Dronabinol Interactions:
Patients should speak with their doctor about the use of any medications, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with dronabinol.
Before taking dronabinol, patients should consult their doctor if they are taking any of the following medications:
- Blood thinners
- Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium)
- Antidepressants
- Antiarrhythmics
- Antihistamines
- Tranquilizers
- Sedatives
- Barbiturates
- Narcotic pain medications
- Theophylline (TheoDur)
- Parkinson’s disease medications
- Amphetamines (Adderall, Desoxyn)
- Surpirone (BuSpar)
- Anticonvulsants
- Muscle relaxants
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Cold medications
- Irritable bowel syndrome medications
This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Patients should inform their doctor of all medicines they are taking to avoid any complications while taking dronabinol.
Patients with a history or current diagnosis with the following conditions should consult their doctor before beginning treatment with dronabinol:
- Alcohol abuse
- Bipolar disorder
- Drug abuse or dependence
- Mental illness
- Seizures
Dronabinol Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Dronabinol dosages may vary among patients and conditions. Patients should take dronabinol exactly as prescribed by their doctor.
Dronabinol is distributed as a 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg capsule.
Dronabinol dosage for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting will be determined by your doctor. For patients with AIDS who need assistance increasing their appetite, a dose of 2.5 mg twice a day before lunch and supper will be prescribed. Your doctor may increase your dose over time, but it will not exceed more than 20 mg per day.
Dronabinol should only be taken to prevent nausea and vomiting. Patients who are already experiencing symptoms of nausea and vomiting should consult their doctor about what to do.
Missing a Dose of Dronabinol
If a dose of dronabinol is missed, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Dronabinol Overdose
Patients who experience an overdose should seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of overdose include the following:
- Drowsiness
- Memory problems
- Coordination difficulties
- ‘Out of body’ feeling
- Constipation
- Difficulty speaking
- Palpitations
- Mood swings
- Red eyes
- Altered sense of time
- Inappropriate happiness
Dronabinol FDA Approval:
May 31, 1985
Dronabinol Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are no recalls or Black Box warnings for dronabinol.
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
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September 1, 2010, 3:16 pm
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August 31, 2010, 2:01 pm
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August 30, 2010, 1:16 pm
