Granisetron

Granisetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Granisetron is in a class of medications called 5-HT<span class='sub'>3</span> antagonists. It works by blocking serotonin, a natural substance in the body that causes nausea and vomiting.

Granisetron comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. When taken to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, granisetron is usually taken 1 hour before chemotherapy is begun. A second dose may be taken 12 hours after the first dose. When taken to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by radiation, granisetron is usually taken within 1 hour before treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take granisetron exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Granisetron may cause side effects. Inform your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
weakness</li>
<li>
stomach pain</li>
<li>
heartburn</li>
<li>
constipation</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
pain</li>
<li>
dizziness</li>
<li>
drowsiness</li>
<li>
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep</li>
<li>
nervousness</li>
<li>
cough</li>
<li>
fever</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
hives</li>
<li>
skin rash</li>
<li>
itching</li>
<li>
difficulty breathing or swallowing</li>
<li>
fainting</li>
<li>
blurred vision</li></ul>Granisetron may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking granisetron, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to granisetron, dolasetron (Anzemet), ondansetron, (Zofran), or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention ketoconazole (Nizoral). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include:

<ul>
<li>
headache</li></ul>