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Granisetron: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Granisetron is FDA-approved for the prevention of nausea and/or vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy and more.

Forms:TabletInjection

About Granisetron

Indications of Granisetron

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)

Granisetron is FDA-approved for the prevention of nausea and/or vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including high-dose cisplatin.

Radiation-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Granisetron is FDA-approved (oral tablet formulation) for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with radiation, including total body irradiation and fractionated abdominal radiation.

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV)

Granisetron (injection) is FDA-approved for the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults. Routine prophylaxis is not recommended when there is little expectation of nausea and/or vomiting after surgery.

Not Indicated For

Granisetron has not been shown to be effective for nausea and vomiting from causes other than its approved indications above (for example, ordinary motion sickness), and should not be used for such purposes.

Dosage & Administration of Granisetron

Dosing of Granisetron depends on the indication being treated (chemotherapy-induced, radiation-induced, or postoperative nausea and vomiting), the formulation used (oral tablet or intravenous injection), and the patient's age. Granisetron is generally given as a single dose (or two doses on a chemotherapy day) timed relative to the chemotherapy, radiation, or surgical procedure, rather than on a continuous schedule; it should be administered exactly as directed by the treating physician.

Side Effects of Granisetron

Common Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Weakness (asthenia) or somnolence
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness

Less Common but Important Side Effects

  • Hepatic enzyme elevation
  • Abdominal pain, fever (reported with postoperative use)
  • Insomnia, agitation, or anxiety

Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention)

  • Signs of a severe allergic/hypersensitivity reaction: hives, facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or a sudden drop in blood pressure
  • Signs of an abnormal heart rhythm related to QT prolongation: fainting, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat (see Precautions and Warnings)
  • Signs of serotonin syndrome when Granisetron is combined with other serotonergic drugs: agitation, hallucination, rapid heartbeat, fever, muscle rigidity or twitching, loss of coordination (see Precautions and Warnings)

Contraindications of Granisetron

  • Known hypersensitivity to Granisetron or any component of the formulation.
  • Concurrent use with apomorphine, because of reports of profound hypotension and loss of consciousness when apomorphine was co-administered with Granisetron or other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists.

Frequently Asked Questions about Granisetron

What is Granisetron used for?

Granisetron is an antiemetic used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting after surgery (postoperative nausea and vomiting). It is not effective for other causes of nausea, such as motion sickness.

How is Granisetron given?

Granisetron is given either as an oral tablet or as an intravenous injection, usually as a single dose (or two doses on a chemotherapy day) timed shortly before chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. The exact dose and timing depend on the reason it is being used; see Dosage for details.

What are the most common side effects of Granisetron?

The most common side effects of Granisetron are headache, constipation, weakness (asthenia), diarrhea, and dizziness. Most of these are mild. Serious effects such as severe allergic reactions, heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation), or serotonin syndrome are uncommon but require prompt medical attention. See Side Effects for the full list.

Can Granisetron be taken with other medicines?

Granisetron must not be used together with apomorphine, because this combination has been linked to profound low blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Granisetron should also be used cautiously with other serotonergic drugs (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or tramadol) because of a risk of serotonin syndrome, and with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking before using Granisetron. See Interaction for more information.

Is Granisetron safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Granisetron falls under FDA pregnancy category B; animal studies have not shown harm to the fetus, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women, so Granisetron should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed and advised by a doctor. It is not known whether Granisetron passes into breast milk, so a physician should be consulted before using Granisetron while breastfeeding. See Pregnancy and Lactation for details.

Can children receive Granisetron?

Intravenous Granisetron is approved for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children 2 to 16 years old, at a weight-based dose. It is not recommended for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in children, and oral Granisetron tablets have not been established as safe and effective in children. See Pediatric Uses for details.

What should be done if too much Granisetron is taken (overdose)?

There is no specific antidote for Granisetron overdose. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center; treatment is supportive, with monitoring of heart rhythm and general clinical status. See Overdose Effects for more information.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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