Granisetron | Medicine

About granisetron

Type of medicine

5HT₃ antagonist anti-emetic

Used for

Prevention or treatment of sickness after chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery

Also called

Kytril®

Available as

Tablets and injection

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery may all cause the release of a chemical called serotonin (5HT) in the digestive system and the brain. This serotonin acts on receptors called 5HT₃ receptors which cause sickness and feelings of sickness. Granisetron works by blocking these 5HT₃ receptors and therefore stops you from feeling or being sick.

Before taking granisetron

Before taking granisetron make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you have heart problems such as an irregular heart beat.
If you think you may have a blocked bowel.
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take granisetron

Before taking granisetron, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take these tablets exactly as your doctor has told you to.
Usually granisetron is taken within an hour of your chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment beginning. Your doctor may ask you to take a further dose 12 hours later. If you are unsure about when to take your doses, check with your doctor.
If you forget to take your dose, and you feel sick, take it as soon as you remember.

Can granisetron cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Constipation	Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre, and drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Other side-effects include: diarrhoea, abdominal pain, sickness, weakness, high temperature, skin rash, and unusual body movements	If these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store granisetron

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Kytril® Tablets 1 mg and 2 mg, Roche Products Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2009, accessed September 2010.
British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 3602

DocRef: dils3134

Last Reviewed: 21 Oct 2010

Version: 22

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