Common Brand Names: Kytril
Therapeutic Class: Antiemetic, selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist
Common Injectable Dosage Forms:
Solution for Injection: 1 mg/mL (1 mL, 4 mL vials) and 0.1 mg/mL (1 mL vials)
Prophylaxis of chemotherapy-related emesis in patients 2 years and older: 10 mcg/kg/dose (maximum 1 mg/dose) given 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy.
For some chemotherapy drugs with longer onset of action: 10 mcg/kg every 12 hours.
No adjustment necessary in renal/hepatic impairment.
Given on scheduled basis, not PRN basis, because it has not been shown to be effective once nausea and vomiting have begun.
Administration and Stability:
Administer IV push over 30 seconds or as a 5–10-minute infusion. Store vials at room temperature and protect from light. Granisetron is stable when mixed in NS or D5W for 7 days refrigerated or 3 days at room temperature. pH 4-7.3
Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics:
Granisetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, blocking serotonin both peripherally on vagal nerve terminals and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone. Effects usually last up to 24 hours. Terminal half0life is 5-9 hours. Granisetron is distributed widely throughout the body, its volume of distribution is 2-4 L/kg.
Drug and Lab Interactions:
Granisetron is a substrate of CYP3A4 and may enhance the hypotensive effects of apomorphine. St. John’s Wort may decrease granisetron levels.
Contraindications/Precautions:
Granisetron is contraindicated in patients with a pervious hypersensitivity to it or other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Use caution following abdominal surgery as granisetron may mask progressive ileus or gastric distention. Safety and efficacy in children <2 years old has not been established. Injection contains benzyl alcohol and should be used in neonates. Pregnancy Category B.
Monitoring Parameters:
Monitor patient for chest pain, respiratory difficulty, pain, or itching, as well as s/s of nausea/vomiting.
Adverse Effects:
Headache, constipation, musculoskeletal weakness, and hypertension have been reported to some degree. Also possible are pain, fever, dizziness, insomnia, somnolence, anxiety, agitation, and rash.
Common Clinical Applications:
Used for the prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting associated with emetogenic chemotherapy and radiation therapy.