Brand Name(s): Marinol
Generic Name Dronabinol
What are dronabinol capsules?
DRONABINOL (Marinol®) helps to relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with the treatment of cancer, especially for those patients whose nausea and vomiting cannot be controlled with other medicines. Dronabinol can also help to stimulate appetite and overcome loss of appetite and weight loss in AIDS patients. Dronabinol is similar to one of the active substances found in marijuana. Federal law prohibits the transfer of dronabinol to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Generic dronabinol capsules are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•a history of drug or alcohol abuse
•dizziness or fainting spells on standing
•heart disease, including angina or irregular heart rate
•high or low blood pressure
•liver disease
•mental health problems (schizophrenia, mania, depression)
•an unusual or allergic reaction to dronabinol, marijuana, sesame oil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take dronabinol capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with dronabinol?
•amphetamine or other stimulant drugs
•caffeine
•cocaine
•disulfiram
•medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
•nabilone
•theophylline
•ritonavir
Because dronabinol can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of dronabinol. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:
•alcohol-containing medicines or alcoholic drinks
•barbiturates such as phenobarbital
•certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
•certain medicines used to treat nausea/vomiting
•muscle relaxants
•medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems
•some medicines for pain such as codeine, morphine, nalbuphine, propoxyphene, and tramadol
•some medications for mental health disorders (depression, mania, psychosis, schizophrenia)
•some medications for Parkinson's disease
Ask your prescriber or health care professional about other medicines that may increase the effect of dronabinol.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking dronabinol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
•fainting spells, lightheadedness
•hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
•panic reactions
•slurred speech
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•anxiety or nervousness
•confusion
•diarrhea
•drowsiness or dizziness
•impaired coordination
•irritability
•loss of memory
•mood changes (especially improved mood or euphoria)
•nightmares
•stomach upset
What should I watch for while taking dronabinol?
The first time you take dronabinol or have an increase in dose make sure there is a responsible person nearby. You may experience mood changes, easy laughter, or other changes in behavior. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how dronabinol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit up or stand up quickly, especially if you have low blood pressure or are taking medicine to lower your blood pressure. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness and dizziness and other side effects of dronabinol; avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are taking dronabinol to improve your appetite this is only part of your therapy. Discuss what you can eat and ways of improving your diet with your health care professional or nutritionist. Frequent small snacks as well as regular meals can help provide extra calories and protein.
Do not smoke marijuana while you are taking dronabinol. Dronabinol is similar to one of the active substances found in marijuana. You are at increased risk of serious heart and/or nervous system side effects if these drugs are used together.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store in a cool place between 8—15 degrees C (46—59 degrees F) or in a refrigerator. Avoid freezing. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:06/13/2006 |
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